Originally Posted by
ExplorerWannabe
That is because people buy their tickets at different times and fares fluctuate (as you see for yourself). It should be a safe assumption that BE passengers paid less than non-BE passengers who booked at the same time so it was still the "value" fare at the time of booking. I still don't see why the OP expected United to expand privileges for BE fares rather than try to improve the selling of higher fares which already have the privileges he wanted.
UA is giving a near ULCC experience at legacy prices when their other legacy competitors are offering more value for the same price on the same routes.
It's really not that hard to comprehend. DL set the standard a few years back with BE, but has allowed carry-ons, AA and UA followed but restricted carry ons. AA brought back carry-on for BE fares to match DL, UA hasn't. UA is no longer competitive with the other legacy airlines, assuming matched pricing for BE fares. The only thing BE has done is be a price-hike in a poor disguise.