You're absolutely right.

They're trying to sneak the largest fare increase and service take back in history under our noses during a holiday weekend.

In a perverted sort of way it's brilliant.

Who is going to be able to explain this to the average Joe on the street? Why the local frequent flier of course. Oh, but wait, he (or she) is busy falling for the head fake on Q miles -- and probably sounds more than just a bit whiny complaining about all of these Rockefeller-like "perks" being taken away (look at U's press release again -- isn't it sort of odd that they're making such a big deal out of coddling robber barons?)

Meanwhile every little mistake and every desire for a little flexibility means you buy a brand new full fare walk up ticket or you don't fly. Sorry, you knew that when you bought a "discount" fare. Really, there's nothing I can do -- we're in dire straits and there are no exceptions allowed. Not even for death. I'm really terribly sorry, perhaps you should have purchased a refundable ticket?