If you have no particular affinity for AC metal, but want to stay *A for the EQM then you can easily find cheaper options.

UA DUB-LHR/FRA-SFO and vv is rocking on in as low as 755 USD r/t all-in. All depends on your date flexibility.

This gives no opportunity for the stop in Canada of course, but then I was thinking that was you taking the opportunity IF you had to go with AC. Personally I'd take the one less connection and go with UA/LH.