I spoke to United Customer relations today. Sorry I don't have the phone number, but it is toll free and you can get it by calling reservations. I basically got a similar response to what we're all receiving (or not receiving) in these form letters, EXCEPT that the customer relations rep did say that they are tracking these complaints specifically. I talked to this guy for about 15 minutes and
I urge anyone who has time to call them and keep talking for as long as is reasonably possible, even if you've already written or e-mailed. (Personally I've not received a reply to the two e-mails I sent.) I also asked that the complaint be forwarded not only to customer relations management but to top management.

No guarantees of course, but I just can't help myself wanting to try everything possible, including begging other friends to write, e-mail and CALL. I received profuse apologies (of no use whatsoever and I nicely told this guy so).