….I don't get why you think it's so ridiculous that a GS would want a better lounge experience than the United Club when other comparable airlines offer just that. IMHO that's a totally reasonable expectation if it’s something that I receive and enjoy with a competitor. I agree with you that United probably lacks the ability to offer it, but that's on them, not on me for valuing it.
I don’t think it’s ridiculous that they want a better lounge experience.
On the other I don’t think UA has to worry about a significant portion of their GSs thinking “I’ll switch to AA because of Flagship Lounge access” - especially those in hubs traveling on OPM and with corporate contracts. UA would pass out an additional benefit for little gain and to the detriment of current PL admittees. Would UA justify enlarging a lounge (say, at SFO) to accommodate a bunch of GS and ( as some hope) their families traveling domestically for little gain? I say the chances are about zero.
One thing I especially don’t want is the PL w/ GS guesting privileges is it to look like is the UC during holiday periods . Kids flying Polaris in a PL? No issue. Bunch of kids flying/babies on their way to Orlando? No.
The lounges can already get crowded w/o non-Polaris GS access, the thought of GS bringing in their family just takes it down a whole level.