I'm confused. You chose to fly AA because you saved two hours by doing so, right? But you could have waited for UA? Please explain to me why UA should give you miles when you chose to give your revenue to AA.

I am not flaming, but am truly baffled as to how there could be any scenario under which you would justify UA giving you the miles.

Many of us go to significant inconvenience in order to earn our UA miles. We take connections when nonstops are available and wait the additional hours at airports in order to fly UA rather than another carrier. You made the opposite decision - your choice - so why would UA reward you for this? Am I missing something?