Anyone find it strange that the OP "recently flew SFO-Rome business class on United" even though UA hasn't flown there in quite awhile and isn't scheduled to start up service from IAD for several months?

Codeshare with LH you say? Then why did the OP say that UA lost his luggage?

Further, the lowest discounted UB fare is over $8,000. Full fare UE on the other hand is about $2,800.