Originally Posted by
PMMMDL
????
As top tier on all three major alliances, I would say you are waaaay off base.
Each FF program has it's plusses and minuses. There are trade-offs to be made WRT what FF benefits to grant to what level of FFers. DL's benefits are not worse than the other majors (or minors). They are not necessarily better either. They are just different. Better or worse will depend on exactly the value the individual places on each benefit.
If the benefits DL is providing for FFers do not bring value to you as a flyer, then I would suggest that you find a carrier that better fits your needs.
I'm generally pleased with the changes, and I spend money out of my own pocket for upgradable M fares. Maybe DL's objective is to get more customers like me, and let some others customers that are unpleasable and less profitable go to the competition.
Just out of curiosity, and not trying be argumentative, if you are EXP why would you pay for an "M" fare with DL? I think there is a chance, not as much so now, that you will not clear and from my research "M" on DL is WAY higher than upgradeable fare with EXP SWU.
Also, if you are willing to pay for "M" with DL why not buy discounted business class with AA, maybe the same price or a tad higher, and use SWU to bump yourself to FC?