I know you posted this in AA and wanted to compare AA vs US but have you though of any other carrier? Do you prefer NS or the Segment flights?

If your choices are open, I would look at an alliance that serves more destinations that you frequent, like skyteam?

You could fly Delta out of LIT and if there partners offer a better connection, you have NWA and CON. If they are not an option, I would agree with the other's and stick with US. The largest factor is personal opinion of each airline. I cant stand US flights so I try to avoid them. However having to fly there beech out of JLN. So I know what its like to always have to fly segments