United's decision comes just as I requalified for Silver on US, and just as I was deciding whether to go for Gold or requal for Silver on NW as well. With E+ access, UA's nonstops from BOS to SFO and LAX were strong selling points -- but in E-, they're not nearly as attractive. I find UA's 757 coach seats particularly uncomfortable, which is part of it.

If I'm going to sit in regular old coach, I'd rather get priority seating on DL than sit in the way way back in E-. And as the 50% EQM fares usually sell out long before I book, the ability to upgrade on CO is a plus. So it's back to the Red Tail for me, I think. Pity; I had high hopes for *A, but E+ made up a big part of them.