The downfall in this approach, if it is indeed United's approach, is returning to the US. Most star business class lounges just don't come close to Polaris lounges and don't really serve meals. As much as Asian airlines get slobbered over, look at the hub lounges for OZ, BR and NH and try to get a good meal their lounges, especially NH. SQ is the best. LH's lounge offerings are solid (but then their business class seats really underwhelm).

So UA has to have decent meals on board, especially on the return flights to the US.

I think the flyertalk community is adept in identifying the strengths and weaknesses of each airline but unrealistic in the expectation that any one airline is expected to equal the best in class in each and every aspect.