Since these fares were so good to begin with ($150RT SFO-YVR which included taxes), I'd just be inclined to take the nonstop and be done with it, rather than moving your flight times up a few hours.

Did they offer you the option of the Air Canada code share? I'm on the nonstop that departs just after 2pm now for the get together. I have to say I was surprised they offered me that option, as I expected a full UA routing, no matter how we moved around the flight times. (Now, whether that's a 1K perk or not, I don't have a clue, but from your message it looks as if it was not an option offered to you.)

I'm in the "budget travel" category, so my $20 Priceline room at the Renaissance is more than adequate, so accomodations is probably not a category that I can really comment on as a decision maker.