I appreciate everyone's responses, esp. those from people who have used Orbitz as I haven't.. Based on the above comments, I probably won't ever use Orbitz.

The bonus miles offered from Orbitz seem like a bad deal considering you can get 3,000/1,000 by booking directly from USAir site.

If/when Orbitz starts giving booking bonuses for other airlines, they need to be greater than 500 miles because otherwise AA and UA booking bonuses will continue to be better deals. That's what I've concluded for myself, anyway. Of course, many of you know more about Orbitz and specific airlines so maybe you can see a good deal in this new Orbitz development but I can't.