Thanks again, all.
You have all been very helpful and it sounds like there are some difference with CO's and UA's programs, but none of which are incredibly bothersome.
With respect to the auto upgrades, I am not sure if this is necessarily a bad thing if you follow the posts on UA's board and all the employee class discussions!
On a more serious note, UA just cancelled its ORD-HNL nonstop service, which means Mrs. Rico and I will be forced to connect in SFO or LAX everytime we go there (which is quite often, fortunately). So this is a great reason to switch and start flying the service from IAH and experience this great service which I have read so much about.
Thanks again for all your help everyone.
CO . . . here we come!