And you're coming to this forum to help you find a way to rip off taxpayers? And to obtain a personal benefit for which you, strictly speaking, are not entitled to?
Hey! Don't be so mean.
I have had the same problem flying eg. YYC-YYZ and explaining to people why not WestJet or to other destinations where WS had direct flights, and AC didn't. My explanation comes to this:
If I fly WestJet, you will have to book me a lounge, and buy me a seat (exit row). Lounge (IIRC) 25$ and seat 30$ = 55$ - the difference is that between Tango and Tango+ - and it is justified.
Justifying T+ over T is also difficult, but it comes to this - I am not coming if I don't fly T+ (if there is a promo, I can upgrade, I get free seat selection, I get 100 % status miles)... It works in my situation, not sure about yours.
Look for deals on AC. Then book. Might take some of your personal time, but if you really want to fly AC, then it is worth it.
BTW, I saw the Porter lounge in YOW (sry I don't fly YOW/YUL-Toronto often, other than connecting -> AC), and from the outside, it looked pretty nice. My question is - can everybody (even non-status pax) access it? If so, than there is no point to have a lounge...
YTZ is a great idea in theory, but the ferry is highly inconvenient, albeit interesting, and flying prop often means weather delays, as well as a longer overall flight, so depending on from where you need to get to YYZ/YTZ, the savings time-wise are negligible, if existent.
Since you are SE, I imagine a good argument could be the Concierge - if you are running late, they will help you make the flight, etc.
Is this your only flying? If so try and stick to AC. I not, look out for good fares!
-jlisi984