Tonic - You will get there!
There are reasons why the ticket that you have purchased is cheaper than AC ... the dog-leg routing is one and cabin service is one. I only use NorthWorst for US internals and the service perfunctory. As I do not expect any more, I am not dissappointed!
The DC-10 is a very reliable machin e(I am always told!) but have not been on one for a number of years.
Flight deck? Don't ask, they might get suspicious and give you hassle.
But, as I said, you wil get there and it will be cheaper than AC.