Rhetorical, but the value in airline award redemptions is business and first, not economy. Litte value in transferring points to LifeMiles as buying direct is cheap and easy. With endless flexibility, LifeMiles can be of value. Without endless flexibility, United can be of value. The redemption rate for the "saver" flights available on LifeMiles isn't much cheaper than United; but the issue is availability. And as noted, status with United and/or credit cards with United does provide additional options (Special member pricing).

For RDU to MUC, I would be inclined to acquire the United credit card and book the flighs 30K each way via LifeMiles.