re NWA:

I haven't had the poor experiences in F that others have had. I've had unimpressive service and food, but nothing actually offensive to my dainty senses

once on a ConnectFirst fare I missed the last plane from DTW to MSP because I forgot that DTW is in the eastern time zone and relied on my watch instead of the airport clocks. I stayed at a crappy Romulus, MI motel and got up for the first flight out, on a DC-10. at check-in I was told F was full and was given a Y boarding card. I went and retrieved my bag from the locker and while in queue to board the gate agent walked up and presented me with an F boarding card and a big ol' smile. she actually remembered me!

a few weeks ago I'd booked a trip MSP-IAH-SFO on CO for the miles. the return was a hellishly early 6am and nobody at CO would do a thing to change it (my fault anyway as I booked it online and wasn't paying attention to the return). upon checkin at MSP with CO was told to check in with NW (the MSP-IAH leg was on NW metal). the nice lady at the Elite counter was able to not only get me on a later return flight but booked it on a non-stop (at that poing I didn't care about the miles) back to MSP in F on a DC-10 (the only way to fly F on NW domestic) even though I'd bought the ticket from CO. the meal on that flight was outstanding as was the service.