My mistake - I misread post
#3 as 8 connections, not as alternatives. That's why I thought it was so ridiculous as compared to a more direct flight to YYT. I wish these was an embarrassed emoji
I must stop posting on here so early in the morning, before my brain cells have been adequately caffeinated.
And yes, Newfoundland is a lovely place to visit (I was there a few years ago), but maybe not in December. LAX, LAS, SFO, MIA or NY are all great choices depending on their tastes.