This whole thread is an example of why so many of the people who live on FT are not the target customer group for airlines. Most people who fly simply want to arrive at their destination in the least time and with the fewest complications. This almost always means nonstops over single connections; single connections over double connections, double connections over triple connections, etc. Further it means shortest trip length over longer trip length (e.g., ATL-EWR-BOS over ATL-IAH-BOS). Most customers don't like to run through airports to catch connecting flights, or to change terminals in order to use a nonUA or non*A carrier -- if they have they choice.
Therefore, it is crazy to expect that UA should desist from offering Pax shorter or less complex routings. Most will welcome them. And if you are the one who is on a MR and wants more distance and more segments, simply decline these offers. Don't equate them with anti-customer intentions.