Not sure why so many are surprised. Every major decision UA has made over the past 5 years has fallen into 7 core buckets:
1. Expand int'l profitably: AMS, DEL, BOM, SIN, TLV, PPT, CPT, and JVs
2. Covert MP to a ~10% 'cash-back' program: Miles to $, int'l waiver, new cap
3. Narrow the hard-product gap: Polaris, lounges, overhead bins
4. Increase fleet efficiency to reduce costs: 747, 78X, MAX
5. Leverage IT to reduce costs: App, website, RMS
6. Increase revenue sources: baggage, credit cards
7. Fight LCCs: Basic economy, fees
This new cap falls squarely into bucket
#2 .
I'd expect more adjustments in bucket
#2 as it's still not where it needs to be.