Originally Posted by Miles Ahead

I was recently offered ORD-LAX-BWI.

Despite appearances, this is not "illogical". It's 3452 extra PQMs out of UA's pocket, which means I make 2MM 3452 miles sooner, costing United 3452 award miles (9x vs 8x multiplier). At 2 cents a mile, United is out $70 for the deal. The ORD-BWI flight was oversold by 1 and it took $800 in travel credits to fix that. (And yes, we can quibble that the $70 isn't really $70 and the $800 isn't really $800, but it makes no difference)