I have a 016 ticket with A class segments on LX (LX flight numbers). Everything was fine until today (even flew one of those LX A segments). Called 1K desk to ask about pricing for changes to remaining legs. Made clear it depended on price. Too expensive, decided not to pull the trigger. I checked reservation after the call and see that they released all segments, and replaced it with one of the segments I searched in the record instead. I call back and ask for all segments originally ticketd to be restored. They assure me it is. I check the reservation again and they put me into LX J (not A - so a downgrade from saver First to full fare Business). I call back yet again and ask for A (First). A is gone now on LX, only full fare F is available.

Obviously this is a downgrade. What is my best option here?

I was offered LX A on same flights, but day before/after. Or try Customer Service to get LX F (in full F fare class) on the original flights (ha!).

Since I have onward travel, I proposed even exchange onto UA flights in J a day later - albeit to a different region (swapping ATH for BOM). I am getting told it needs to be priced as voluntary exchange, with applicable fare difference of $14k (HAH!). Can't I get this as even exchange as it's UA's screwup in the first place?

Assuming I need to go a day before or after, at the same price I originally paid, UA royally screwed up my onward travel plans. What are my rights here? I shouldn't have to tell UA 1K agents not to release confirmed & ticketed seats while simply checking for prices.