Hey, nice trip report, thanks!
On recent sh*ttle flights I've had some better experiences, I don't know if it's improved, if I just got lucky, or what, but I am glad to hear you had a great experience.
I have flown HP quite a bit several years ago and it was on the lowest end of barely tolerable. NW and HP are the biggest reasons I don't fly CO...
I am so impressed with the stranger who helped out you and your wife, what a story!