Hi Hollander-
I too wish that there was some other solution to the whole MSN - ORD flight pattern. A few years ago things were so bad and United was so interested in my business they would give me lots of "free" things to keep me flying. Now that the planes are full(er) they not only cancel flights but act like they're doing me a favor by me taking the bus.
Northwest does fly some big planes out of Madison and they don't get delayed as much, but somehow I don't feel like taking the leap.
Good luck!