I am sure the more eloquent of us can say it much better but was thinking about this over a morning coffee...

Since UA gets USA domestic protection from international carriers one might think that a trade off might be an obligation to cut international destinations and keep the domestic volumes the same. Knowing that this is not the most profitable decision but it isn't like the USA hasn't bailed out and prevents domestic competition from international carriers.

Don't throw stones at me, more of a philosophical discussion.