I use SWUs for transcons when I travel peak. Often it's wait list for the long leg and variable availability for the short leg...SAN ATL XXX as an example. I've had success wait listing the long leg and having the short leg enter the complimentary UG pool (RU) to avoid spending an SWU for a 500 mile connection if the long leg fails to clear.

The most recent adventure resulted in the short legs clearing but not the long. I called and tried to get this undone and it took quite a bit of discussion before they were able to do it. Is there an easier way to get this done right the first time?