Wow! Thank you for your input, you've all raised some good points.

I've decided to just "sleep on it" for a while, since The Husband doesn't have to travel for almost two weeks. I do have a few *more* questions, though...

Do HP flights count towards CO elite status, or do they just earn miles?

How likely is it that an airline will drop or change partners?

And what does EUA mean (it's not in the glossary)?

I think it's interesting that none of you have offered personal opinions about which airline, or FF program, you prefer. I understand you are trying to help me sort out all the pros and cons and make my own decision. But this raises a point... Do you even LIKE NW? CO? And I'd still love to hear from Magic re:HP!

I've been reading the CO board, and they all seem so down on CO - what's up with that? I want to post a similar question on the CO board as I did here , not nearly as detailed of course (would that still be considered spamming?)and I get the feeling they will all repond to run away from CO and OP before it's too late!

Thank again, to all of you...