If airlines were just addressing one set of buyers, then you would be right. But that was actually the failing of MRTC. Certain travelers were attracted by it (like they were by E+) but a large number of travelers are price sensitive. Any extra premium AA got was overwhelmed by the extra cost.

Had United gone 3-4-3 in E- and 3-3-3 in E+ (what AA did before Parkerification took over.... ) This topic would be one and done.

But what United is say to international flyers, regardless of status, regardless of total spending, regardless of how much they are actually paying (could be $300, could be 10x as much) is "fly on our airline, outside of buying J, well then have a very painful/uncomfortable flight."

At this point, when I am flying internationally, I have a lot of options that don't confront me with such a stark choice as United, and I am taking them. So is nearly everyone else who has actually flown this new UA configuration. That is not a good sign of where this is going. The contrast with the - also tight, but slightly less tight - B788/789 is rather stark. Some said it was boarderline acceptable, some said it was unexceptable, but the number swearing they would avoid the aircraft was a percentage of those who fly the configuration, that is not the case with the 77W/772 on UA in 3-4-3. Very different response.

I would love to be able to fly United again internationally at some point ex-SFO, the A359 offers that option, if UA ever actually buys it. The airline's current plans don't.