I am not convinced the couple dozen unhappy FT members posting in these treads are representative of DL's elite plus population. Many FF don't or can't give any airline exclusivity and enjoy benefits from multiple FF plans. Some FT posters get a little dramatic, some can't get past the merger, while others cite plans benefits from other carriers without the current BIS experience to understand the caveats that go with those benefits.

I have customers that evaluate the solutions available, then release an RFP asking for a product that combines the top proprietary features from 3 manufactures. It may be what would best suit their unique requirement, unfortunately no one can provide it and at the end of the day they still have to pick one of the existing solutions based on what best fits their requirements.

My own evaluation of AA didn't result from the creation of the DM level, it is something I do from time to time. UA and US route maps suck for me so I don't give them the same mindspace. I once again ran some reward examples, ran some actual itins I have booked and attempted to sort through the FUD in the forums to understand the caveats. For me DL still comes out ahead, as it did before DM was announced. DM adds a few things without removing any benefits that I had before, YMMV. Would it be even better with more? Sure it would! More is usually better.

Bottom line... every one is unique. Find the solution that best meets your needs and move on to more important things in life.