The reason that folks like me - and many others - will pay more is that we can get an absolute whackload of miles while also upgrading to C with an SWU. Is that worth the extra cost? Easily, even if that's a $400-$600 premium. Even worst case scenario, you get E+.

Given that, what reason on earth would UA - still in bankruptcy last I checked - join the race to the bottom

If I can't upgrade and I'm bored with UA's dismal 744s in Y, I'll often take SQ's nonstop in their E+ and a couple temazapam. Also a premium involved, but again, a superior product.

You're a 1K - you would seem to qualify to play this game. Is this really surprising?