There have been times though that even following UA's recommendations that it just doesn't work out well.

I think SFO can be tricky to find a Mr. Easy for what you actually need to do ... or at the very least, the signage is confusing that it's sometimes easier just to wait in line. Then again, I've been in the F lines at SFO and waited for a long time because they only had a few people working checkin. Barely made the checked baggage cut off.

BWI's elite line is slow. 2 people work it if you're lucky. Most people get thru quicker using Mr. Easy than using the line.

If UA doesn't have enough people, they have a problem. Especially when there are very few people monitoring the Mr. Easies to pick up your checked bags.