Right that is what they should do in my understanding of a downgrade. Here is reply email #2.
Thank you for your e-mail to Delta Air Lines regarding your reservation.
While we would like to offer special consideration in cases such as yours, we are unable to honor the many similar requests that we receive from others in equally deserving situations. We follow a consistent policy to ensure that we are fair to everyone who travels with us. Accordingly, we must respectfully decline your request. We appreciate your interest in Delta Air Lines.
What consideration it says that I can downgrade but now they say I can't??
Why?