re: Southwest is the most overrated airline

That's the only unique positive thing about SW, and it is certainly a big one. I've gotten around it on UA 2-3 times using multiple same day flight changes, but that's not always an option and is risky.

I do use the free same day changes a lot on UA for work. I'll book the cheapest flight available and then change to the one I want 24 hours before my flight. Only been burned once or twice with the better flight being unavailable.