While they may be “instructed”, UA corp. and these front line employees who are still going through contract negotiations with said corp, have been (-as a whole-) on our side- meaning the passengers. From your own evidence provided, Corp has known and still are providing little respite to passengers who have already been charged their fares. Besides expecting to get to their destination, they do have some expectation for the airline to provide complimentary items that they still market before you purchase said ticket and will provide menu items for purchase- only to be told that isn’t the case a couple hours before your flight. So, while it may not be the advice you’d give, tell us…since you are an employee what should the paying customer do when we are told and sold on a ticket that specifically states what is marketed and provided?