I started the process today...
...by finally getting around to calling Chase and cancelling the last UA account that I had (I believe at one point I probably had 3-4 for various uses) and which probably goes back 20 years to old First Chicago as far as I can tell.
Fascinating discussion I had today with the Chase lady who, while not saying so outright, clearly has been fielding more than a few calls on this subject matter. From the very guarded and cryptic nature of the comments I received I also got the impression that Chase's 'partner' clearly was testing/monitoring what Chase's agents said or did not say in regards to responding to these types of calls.
Very illuminating...
Shame is I have about $2500 or so in UA credits that will probably force me to fly at least a few flights on UA metal this year (probably credit them to my LH account if I can). But unless there are no choices, my travel dollars are headed almost exclusively AA/DL or their alliance partners from now on. I already have booked over $5K+ in tix in the last two weeks on the other two carriers, and I plan to keep it that way until further notice.
It feels great - and liberating - to be finally winding down business with this airline!