This is probably the overhaul they are going through within United as they come back from bankruptcy. All the miles they gave out over the years must be carried on thier books. I'm not an accountant but i beleive the miles act against their bottom line much as their employee vacation time does. That is they have to hold the liability there until it is used up. The Choices is just a way for United to get that liability off their books sooner. Gives people move ways to use up their miles. Have you seen the sony flat screen LCD they have available for 420K?. A lousy exchange but kewl TV.