IMHO I am happy to see a lot of publicity of this on the news and social media. I dont think united is the bad sheep. I think ALL big 3 airlines are, and the regulations and protective laws are the enemies here. I have had bad experiences with all US airlines and none on foreign ones...

I was travelling international First Class on AA and I went to took a picture of the seat I was sitting on, the flight attendant came rushing and took my phone and told me: do you wanna get arrested?? that is illegal!! I told him: I am sorry I see so many pictures of the seat on instagram I didnt know it was illegal, he said: Its in the back of the american way magazine and on your ticket! You need to delete the picture and if I ever see you taking a picture again I will have to call authorities when we land.... I was like... ... what a great first class experience.

On the other hand I flew etihad first class also and I was taking pictures and videos (I was very excited so I took A LOT) and the flight attendant quietly told me: I know you are happy taking pictures and this is a special moment, I feel happy for you too, but if the management sees videos of us (the cabin crew) online we might get in trouble, so please dont post videos where our faces show in social media, I am very sorry for the trouble.

Same problem, two different approaches. Same result!