I will likely exceed 50k, possibly 75k in 2010; I want to stick with one airline as much as possible to gain elite--mostly for upgrade possibilities. I'm torn between Delta and US Air--I prefer flying Delta, they seem to have more FC seats on smaller planes. However, I like the Star Alliance possibilities better to get miles via United and Continental...I live in Kansas City will do about 80% of my flights to Phx, LA (SNA or LGB or ONT most likely), Houston (IAH) and Chicago (ORD). About 10% to Boston/Providence (PVD)and 10% to Phoenix, DFW, and SFO. Which should I choose to have the better chance at upgrades at Silver and Gold levels? Obviously I also like the lower delayed airports such as MSP, IAH, PHX...but that is not as important, as long as I can avoid ORD for connections.