The key question here is whether this will increase access to United domestic metal.

Right now lots of US routes are practically or literally inaccessible with miles, since UA simply doesn't make them available at *A partner pricing.

As Cow said, I'd rather see a US domestic route like BOI-SFO go from unavailable at 10,000 points, to available at 15,000 points, but if they don't offer that, then it's hard to see the value here.