Fully agree with you on point 1. I was flying MSP-SLC-LAS a couple of weeks ago, all on DL metal (award ticket). Got off work real early that day, in time for me to take the noon-ish MSP-LAS nonstop that would get me into LAS for a late lunch buffet at Spice Market.

Try to do a standby/same day change to the NW flight (don't even care about F seats - just give me a window or aisle in coach!) - no can do. Got to hang out in the MSP WorldClub for an extra 3 hours and take a connection via SLC, where I had another 2 hour layover.

I can't wait until we can easily go back and forth on same-day changes between NW and DL.