Shamrock- it's not solely you ATL pilots, but many just don't pass through the system enough to stay proficient with it. It's not a slap in the face, but fact. Many people, excluding you, are having issues figuring it out. Every time I walk through A concourse in IAD, or in ORD, I'm getting asked how to do it. I can't say I blame them- I was lost when I first started cycling through the system as well. However, my exposure has MADE me gain profficiency.
The "N" number is directly tied to the United pass bennies. I signed up, got the "N" number, and it worked for 3-4 weeks before United killed it, since I didn't have the bennies. FM has to go in and reset the system for you. This is an issue that has gone all the way to the VP of United.
While I share the sentiment that it is UNITED's problem when we can't pick it up. The problem is that our COMPETITORS procure theirs, and leave us sitting at the gate twittling our thumbs. So as far as UNITED is concerned, it is our fault, unfortunately. I think this situation is stoopid, not our pilots.
I've been snagging it off of ACARS too. As long as you have dispatch force over a TLR and FDC notams, you're good to go. Only issue we have are the several non ACARS aircraft that are floating around the UNITED side. You haven't lived until you've toated one of those through O'Hare- gotta love telling dispatch "all of them" when they ask which runways you'd like data for................