Again, it has nothing to do with who is qualified to move a United passenger. It is about who United wants working for United. You are not selected because you are qualified, but because they feel that your personality will fit the corporate culture. Everyone on interview day is qualified to move United passengers, many currently are for their respective employers, however the interview process is to select those who they feel will be the best fit to be employed by United. I don’t know exactly what they are looking for, but when an applicant goes in thinking that the program is a sham, or that they already work for United because the company that they really work is contracted by United, those conducting the interview pick up on questionable attitudes pretty quick and it doesn’t end with a job offer.

As to your last point, take your labor where you can. If United was your first choice and you weren’t selected, move on to the LCC’s or something similar while you hope for a call from Delta, Fed Ex, American, etc. Don’t rot in the regionals. Try to get somewhere that you could be happy if United or Delta never calls. There are plenty of people at United who were shot down somewhere else. The same is true at Delta, American, etc. Apply everywhere, don’t beat yourself up if someone says no, and be grateful for the one that you land.