I'm an IND based flyer, too. I was (well, still am) Gold on US, but have moved to NW (and will make Plat after this trip). I'm much happier. NW does run non-stops to NYC and DC, so that's a plus (to be fair, US does this, too). For connections, DTW beats CLT easily - I don't count PHL since I had a "no PHL" rule when flying US (it really is that bad).

My reasons for avoiding United and AA are that ORD is such a mess in any type of bad weather, I'd rather avoid it.

Just my opinion,
jon