Sometimes you need to get your facts straightened up first before firing up your anger at an airline. If you indeed had 2 seperate air tickets and knew the consequences of having them, then, it is NOT UA's fault. You want to save some money, then you need to prepare mentally and physically to take the consequences in case something else happens along the way. Not all travels go smoothly. You should prepare for the worse!

Please, don't bad-mouth an airline for a mistake you or your TA made!