Oh yes, the DEQM. I am quite pleased that DL will not do that. They do just give away Silver and Gold Medallion status to credit carders and shoppers but the Platinum actually requires flying and the new Diamond level will eliminate all but business travelers and a few extreme mileage running nutcases.

There is quite a bit of bitterness toward DL from the cheap fare crowd over there which feel as if they have been snubbed (and they have been).