Anecdotes will just make you sick. These threads don't help.

UA never remotely suggested that thinning the elite herd would lead to more UG's. Rather:

1. Less capacity
2. Improved economy = more paid F.
3. More realistic pricing of FC seats (-UP, UG's)

All combine to mean fewer CPU's. I doubt that UA will eliminate CPU's as they serve a purpose. But, the idea that up-front freebies will routinely be available on desireable routes is long gone.

Same on DL and AA, so it's not as though jumping ship will get you much.