I agree -- upgrades to FC and the mileage bonus is the main thing. There are better airlines. Then again, live in MSP and there really is no better carrier than NWA!

Also, as a PE, they do take much better care of you when things don't go according to plan. My last flight MSP-IAD was cancelled 20 min prior to boarding. I headed to the nearest WC and the re-booked me on a MSP-BWI flight and got me there on time.