Count me as one "HVFer" (6 year GS) who uses the miles for family trips, and in my about once per year burn off of miles, about 80% of the time I have used MP partners, sometimes with UA in part, sometimes just *A partners.

This hits me hard. I have already for all practical purposes given up on UAL, but if I was still chasing miles on UAL, this would stop me.

If UAL made its own metal available, it would not be an issue, but most of the time ANY set of flights that I can make work has to be pieced together.

And Lark, yes, I can afford to just pop for discount J seats for a vacation, but if I do, its not gonna be on UAL, that is for sure. I want something for my $$$$.