Also, PUW/LWS/RNO are (I think?) entirely served by Q400s at the moment, plus many of the SEA-GEG connecting flights - so no F upgrades on those routes. I wouldn't expect short flights like SJC-RNO to switch to E175s in the near future, either.

Not that visiting NYC or Chicago aren't worthwhile by themselves! But unless you're coming in close to the 20,000 mile mark already and need those extra miles from a connection in Seattle, you might as well just head up to SFO and take a Virgin non-stop.