Thank you, LongingForORD , for your first-hand report. Real information is much more useful than speculation.

Here is a sad story. My neighbor works for Expedia and flys regularly to the far east. He flies in coach, does not get miles, and does not acquire status. All those BIS miles and he can't even qualify for Economy Plus.

If offered the chance to do so, I will see if I can gift him UA Premier status later on this year.