I'm the OP and I have landed now. While some have noted that this is indeed a first world problem I paid a first world price with what I hoped would be a first world experienced airline. Sadly I was disappointed and the problems were worse that I initially understood.

1) IFE- no in flight entertainment for 14 hours
2) Dead power socket- unable to charge laptop or electronics for work or entertainment for 14 hours
3) No reading light- unable to read for 14 hours- FA demanded shade
remain closed with no lights on in cabin.
4) Inoperable FA call button- could not summon service in the dark

I had an automated email from UA which offered a choice of

A) 10K miles
B) $250 e-cert
C) 10% discount on future flight

Further to this the cabin crew mentioned that this particular aircraft has been flying in this condition for 4 days. The mood aboard the aircraft was horrible with so many passengers complaining. I don't envy the flight attendants as there were very many unpleasant conversations they had to handle. I personally don't find any of the offered options acceptable. I am however confident that UA does not really care to hear any further from me nor will they offer me anything further. The only thing I can do is revert to my former strategy of avoiding UA at all costs. I don't expect that nothing will ever go wrong but I do feel that UA had an obligation to disclose this known problem to me so that I could make a decision to board or remain in PEK.