I agree, things do seem to be getting better. The very frank and honest merger e-mail made me feel good. Also, I've been getting a better upgrade record, even at the 3 day window for Golds. Also, pre-flight drinks seem to have become standard.

What's amazing most to me, is that last week while flying SFO-PHL-BOS, the flight landed on time in PHL, pulled up to a gate immediately, and the flight left on time and took off immediately for BOS. My luggage was even in BOS waiting for me!!!