Even worse if UA recommends neither. Poor.
NH FAs really do not suggest one over the other unless asked "What would you order?" which is a loaded question anyway. Training is given to assist the pax to be pleased not tell them what to do. You get identical responses of impeccable politeness when requesting either.
I always conduct this in Japanese though and am a aware of the nuances of the language and the expressions that accompany English being spoken by the native Japanese speaking FAs.
KE, OZ, CA I would believe it. In fact I saw what you describe for myself on CX. But when flying Japanese quality you get top service.
No question, UA is history as we can see on the news today.
I think you mis-understood the "push" part. They aren't forcing you but if I'm sitting there with the menu you get your usual NH service. Mr. XXX is there anything I can help explain on the menu? I strongly suggest this option today because we are featuring XXX, or this is my favorite (points to the dish on the Japanese menu). I've only flown NH F 6 times now (which I assume is much less than you) and I don't believe it's an coincidence all 6 times I've had the similar conversation described above.