I pulled the trigger and secured the back up flight. We are now flying AirTran into Las Vegas the night before our original departure to Los Angeles.
It is only $75 for the rental car from LV to the Alamo office near DL. We can get a room in LV off the strip for $40. The cost of the FF tickets is only $25.50 ($2.50 each for 9/11 fees and $6.00 each for seat selection - not rolling the dice with 3 different confrimations

).
We'll still get into the hotel near DL the same afternoon as the original flight would have gotten us there. We may take our time before we leave LV since Suz' really good friend lives out there (might do breakfast or lunch with them before heading out on the 3 1/2 hour drive).
That is a relief for us now. Doesn't matter what happens in two weeks with the airline, we're set.
O.K., time to cut the grass. Talk to y'all tonight.