United customer service

So I am confused, with the current economic decline, airline travel has slowed dramatically. However, United has ordered that all changes in non-changeable tickets must carry a change fee no matter what. For the past 4 years I have paid these fee's without question. However a few weeks back I booked a ticket along with hotel and car. The night before travel I attempted to check in online and found that my itenerary was one week off.

I called the 1K desk at the time, which switched me to Hawaii. The agent understood and was sure the change fee would be taken care of since it was a very odd situation and I never ask for such a credit. I was told that the supervisor denied the credit so I asked to speak with him. He got on the phone and right off the bat accused me of lying. Note, I am a 1k flyer which is nearly the most rediculas level of any airline to earn. He said that there is no way an agent can make a mistake, thus I must be wrong and he won't help me!!!

I took down his information and called the main desk and the supervisor explained to me that they are unable to give credits of any form. They are supposed to try not tell this to any customer. But she was able to apply special upgrades that allowed her to help me without violating her instructions as a supervisor.

I am so shocked that with such competition and lack of customers available, United is so willing to throw away a top end Customer as AA wants me to move so badly!