This could also mean that travel agents will also frown if you want in their office wanting to use UA points for award travel.
(I ran into this problem booking my Maui trip and trying to use Westina nd Hilton points.)

But I'm trying to see what's the point of UA doing this? You are right AusTxHiker... this means I'm going to have to spend more time on the computer or on the phone getting the best airfare. My hunt for my birthday/Texas trip
fare took almost an hour (that's NOT on the phone) and I took UA because I want to get a start on 2000 PremEx qualification! CATMAN