Being YOW-based, US was a frequent choice to get to SFO. Because there are no direct flights from YOW to anywhere in California, I'm usually connecting on UA through ORD or AC through YYZ. Connecting through the US hub in PHL was often a viable option, and collecting 100% status miles on any fare I ever booked didn't hurt. I will be sorry to see this choice go away. oneworld is not a viable option in YOW, and I can't see UA or AC suddenly becoming more competitive when US exits the Star Alliance.