Glad to hear United was able to help you out. As a frequent flyer on United out of O'Hare, I've had to have alot talks with them too and tend to find them quite agreeable (full disclosure: I do have a sister who is a pilot w/United but most my travel is for work).
Travel companies such as Expedia/Orbitz, on the other hand, have always been nearly useless in times of trouble for me. It is as if they think that no customer service is required when getting a discounted ticket!
Even today, getting sorted for my evening flight, I've found United to be completely helpful. Right down to the pusher who stopped me on the concourse and asked if he could help. You bet I took him up on it. He was a heck of a lot faster than my two bad knees and a cane. Patel, I think was his last name. Can't remember his first name, but he was awesome.