Just completed HKG-SIN return for the weekend on a cheapie ticket which I had not got around to getting seat assignments for. Asked for E+ at check-in in HKG and got it no questions asked, but at SIN this morning they told me it was only on a paid-for "upgrade" basis for non UA1K's. The E+ thing was really the only reason I ever used UA in Y so I think that's the last they'll see of me for a while.