Even if its in your promised benefits, if it doesn't take away your over head bin space, why would you even care? I'm sure as a First/UGS/Area 1 pax you'll still have plenty of time to "settle in". There's not going to be that many people who gate check their bags anyway. I see no disadvantage in it at all, especially if it helps get the flight out on time.

Also, I've noticed DEN for trying to be creative with boarding procedures. I'm wondering if its just one GA that seems to be the discussion of everyone. I get more upset when they use the Window/Middle/Aisle system that only confuses people as opposed to the gate check idea.

At least it seems to me, while they are not following policy for the W/M/A system, there's no clear boarding policy with the gate check of bags on full flights. It seems to be more of a creative approach to getting flights out on time and actually shows effort by UA employees to try to keep their company's performance up.