As price-sensitive non-flyers couldn't care about status, this change strictly impacts flyers who is already flying United. It's a message which is shouting, "We don't want you chasing status on United anymore".

It might as well be called "Stand-by Economy." You still get seating assignment ahead of regular "stand-bys" however. The only downside, is no overhead baggage. You will get less benefit than employees on this aspect.

Jiburi