Hi _ I am currently in transit to denpassar on an economyb award ticket on Cathay. Typing this in the airport at Hong Kong (free internet access on level two near the restaurants )

So far - CX - very polite service, pleasant, call bells actually answered in less than 1 minute! ( sorry I can't help it I used to play a game in Y on UA - turn on call light - when I really needed something and the seat belt light was on - see if 1) it was answered before seat belt sign went off (that is when FA were allowed to walk but we weren't - not relevant if FA had to be seated too) or we landed
Extensive research led me to the conclusion that trying to flag down a FA before they passed was more productive than ANY call button (yes they NEVER got answered)

Imagine my surprise when I turned on the call light on Cx and never had to wait more than 1 or two minutes

Okay here I am in transit at Hong Kong - don't have appropriate status or ticket for the Wing (darn - but I am flying business in Dec so will see it then). Have three hours to kill so figure since I am a 1k on UA (and MM) ask if they would break the rules and let me in for a few hours to the lounge - "no"..ask to speak to a CSD - very polite lady tells me that since 9/11 they are not allowed to make exceptions - I explain why I am not a security risk - but no go. Okay I didn't pay for a RCC membership and I am not entitled to admission - no problem - a polite I'm sorry we can't bend the rules would be understood - but invoking 9/11 as a reason? Does this seem as silly to you as it does to me?
Please don't start a flame war on entitlement, etc. - I have NO problem with being denied on the basis that it is an exception - but to be told such a ridiculous reason makes me feel like UA really doesn't get what they need to do to keep their flyers loyal (yes I know this is not news )