Bad move, very bad move!
This makes as even less sense than retraining CSRs to turn away passengers, closing CTOs, and putting employees in first over paying passengers. UA must really dislike me to try so hard to push me towards other airlines.
It can't be a cost-savings thing - they haven't spent anything to support it! If the phone line costs money, fine, shut it down and let me continue to use my own ISP. Why take away the only online reservation option that works consistently well?
UA, I will GIVE YOU 2,000 of my miles if you reverse your decision.