So I have three choices:

1. Stay with UA. This seems stupid - its not so much the cost (while that is a factor). I expect the other airlines to catch up. Its the fact that UA is the leader in the race to the bottom. When is the last time they actually provided an additional incentive to travel? I guess clear (which is nice) but that hardly justifys another 3k to UA. With the stupid points for upgrades I suspect it will just get worse. No, UA is dead. I can't see how long term they will engender any loyalty from anyone who isn't spending at GS levels now. While those people are profitable, there simply is not enough to make UA viable.

2. Transfer to DL. I just got my diamond reinstated. The 5k of travel I was going to spend on UA this year to get to 1k will be moved over there and I will be diamond for next year. This is a decent opportunity but it comes with a catch - I am in DEN and it requires changing planes almost everywhere domestically. That was the reason I left DL a few years ago. Well that and the fact UA made it easier on my family to fly (there are 5 of us).

3. Go to AC. I know it sounds crazy, but my wife is canadian and I actually travel there often. It used to be on DL, but AC has direct flights from DEN to YYZ. I just don't know what the drawbacks to going to AC will be. I could use some help here if anyone knows.

What is the best option here? I am looking for opinions if anyone has any.