I made it to SAN 3 hours late and got my upgrade back. I would like to thank the professional staff @ PVD who truly appreciate their customers. The gate agent even thanked me and apogized (even though no UA fault) for my understanding and for sticking with UA. He offered to rebook me on NW that arrived the same time as there were delays in ORD (surprise) but I figured my chances were even to arrive tonight.