I don't think anyone is making excuses for United not refunding miles/money promptly on a failed upgrade request. We're just pointing out that you seen to continue to insist that United made some error in "charging you for PP seats". That's the conclusion you jumped to - "I didn't get my miles/money back, so United obviously charged me for PP". The only "error" UA has made here has been not to refund the Polaris upgrade request money promptly enough. "Upgrade bait and switch" is the accusatory title in debate. There was no bait (Polaris) and switch (PP) by United - there was a unsuccessful upgrade request and tardy refund.