Everything from CLT is 500000000000000000000 better than from PHL on US. That said, US is a LCC, CO/UA is a full service airline. You pay for an LCC ticket, you get LCC service. They are a safe, relatively reliable airline that earns miles, but don't expect IFE and top notch food on the flights.

To answer your question: maybe. Star Alliance carriers have the ability to "take control" of each others tickets, so you have a chance on a revenue ticket. Ask the gate agent nicely, and don't count on it. If this was an award, there would be no chance at all