Very interesting. Several months ago a matron in the DEN RCC told me she had heard TED was going away because "too many 1K's were complaining and they listen to you, not us." I never posted this for fear of being flamed for posting rumors (and I had enough doubt in my own mind not to substantiate the rumor).

Recently (2 weeks ago) I was on a flight from ORD to LHR and I was seated next to a senior lever UA executive. We spoke off and on throughout the flight and at one point I asked her about the rumor. She laughed and said she highly doubted it because TED was a very effective tool at combating WN and F9. She went on to say United doesn't have the perception of being an inexpensive carrier so they needed a new name they could develope into a low cost brand. She said TED is here to stay although I suppose they could keep TED and add a small F cabin.

I'm just reporting on what I've heard although I certainly hope the rumors are true.