JTMSP:
Ultimately, flying from IAD is what I did. I live all of 10 minutes from DCA (15 with traffic), and I prefer to fly out of there because they always use a 319 or 320 instead of the CRJ. As it turns out, even with the trip to Dulles, I will still arrive at the same time as if I flew via another carrier and their connecting flight. Luckily I'll be flying a 320 both ways, but I'll have to go Coach Choice since I don't do middle seats.

Sigh. Just a few more R/T for SE.

Thanks to all for the primer on pricing.