Thanks.

Two added comments:
- Not a fee collection issue (1K and business class tix). This was as straightforward as it can get regarding the actual item (i.e. no special conditions, no short connex, etc.).
- Since UA is the carrier for both flights, baggage liability remains with UA regardless. Whether checking through or deliver after leg one and re-check for leg two is producing more or less operational liability I have no idea. Interesting question, though.

One would think that UA would see this as not just as a nice-to-have but as a necessary point of differentiation to LCCs.