I've never complained about a carrier before. In my environment, I consider offering United a disservice to my customers. I only feel this way about one carrier. After reading some of the horror stories on your page, and being a veteran flier and owner of a travel agency for 18 years, I have a few suggestions. Find a good travel agent.
Word of mouth is generally the best way.
Find someone who has been in the business a long time, and that is well traveled. Groom the relationship. They might be able to get you out of some real jams. Get a paper ticket. With E-tickets you are at the mercy of the ticketing airline.