I agree - Continental was usually solid, friendly, and logical. United was dumb enough to cut or even end some of the most profitable (and constantly full) flights Continental had. Markets that United had little to no flights to (International).
I do NOT like United and have, so-far, been successful in avoiding using them. Thankfully, for 100% of the flights I have taken in the last few years, United has never even come close to being competitive in price (unlike Continental that use to be quite competitive in most markets - while maintaining solid service).
I think United is going the way of British Airlines.