Hey
lonman -- western Canada is all the reason you need to come here.
http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/wink.gif
But it sounds like you have discovered what many AC and CP FFers have discovered, but don't talk about in polite company. While the alliances hold many benefits (and CP and AA are joined at the hip -- take upgrades, for example) the service we endure on US carriers is abominable, and made worse by the fact that we receive such good treatment on our home airlines.
Don't really know why this is, but I suspect that it has something to do with cutthroat competition between Canada's two main carriers. We're all hoping come this time next year, life will still be as good.