NW serves more cities in Asia and connects well for European cities. I look forward to the domestic upgrades, and use miles for international upgrades, while accumulating status and miles on the international coach tickets.

Seems most flyers have forgotten the disasterous Summer 2 years ago with AA and UA. Times change and so do flying habits or patterns. Some just get bored with an airline and look for another. I still miss the upgrades and service on Western Airlines, but it is history.
In the meantime, will stick with CO and NW until things evolve more in another direction. It appears, every airline and it's FregFlyer club has ups and downs. Am very impressed with the AA reservations phone staff. Everyone seems to be well versed in their products.