Welcome to FlyerTalk,
Clifford Laughton!
^
The way you outline would be the best way to go. Match to NW and that will eventually turn into Delta Plat. Now that they have an upgrade arrangement between DL/NW, it becomes even easier to reap the benefits of NW status on DL. Of course you still won't be earning 100% EQM on all fares for now, but that will change.