Oh dear, lets use this to slag off US airlines again. In the last 20 years between myself and Mrs J we have over 100 trips back and forth over the pond.
20 years ago I would only travel with BA or Virgin but not now. Last few trips transatlantic have been with Delta and have found them very good. Also used United in economy and as said all much the same these days.
In all those years not once has our luggage been lost or missplaced.
Would always reccomend flying direct if possible, more to save time than anything else but the thing about collecting your baggage then rechecking it in is only because you have to do customs etc. at your initial point of entry.