I forgot to mention that the actual return flight(s) were not as easy as they sound.

My flight Cabo-San on Alaska was fine; however, when I went to check in for my San-EWR redeye, CO informed that they cancelled the flight a few days ago -- and never notified me. They put me on a flight the following morning without my approval -- they must think that we all just have so much time on our hands that when they cancell flights -- spending an extra day somewhere is no problem.

I managed to get them to book me that same evening on a NW flight (redeye) San-Detroit-EWR ...

This is one of the many experiences that remind me why my loyalty to CO has quickly changed.