At the end of the day, the indutry has to go through consolidation, and airlines all need to survive. As much as we like and dislike about certain aspects of United-Continental marriage, we may as well embrace it and move on.
I don't think there is a better partner for UA other than CO. I only have three items on my wish lists that reflect my personal bias:
1. Let United Mileage Plus runs the combined FFP and retains most of the M+ perks. (If the FFP is not attractive, then I can always start flying other airlines.)
2. Stay in Star Alliance. (If the alliance does not cater my needs, then I'll switch to a different airlines in a different alliance.)
3. Let CO Management run the combined entity. (CO is just that much better than UA now.)
I thought about E+, but no other US legacy carriers offer them. It is not I have other choices.... so why get upset about not having it.
I hope this deal goes through!^ .... as long as the employees get taken care of!:-: