Possibly the best part of flyertalk is that there are almost no situations where somebody doesn't have personal knowledge and experience, so, as in the case with our situation, we can travel informed!

Thanks to all who replied.

P.S. yeah, no award space on the direct flght (A320) though both connections finish on a 767 (showing new configs) so that will be nice(r)...especially via Denver where there would actually be a bit of time to enjoy it (versus ORD-IAD...rather short).