Thanks all - don't completely understand the logic, but its an answer nonetheless.
Originally Posted by
3Cforme
Sure it does. It shows people they can't buy $700 T fare tickets and upgrade for $500. DL can get people to pay $2500 for an M fare and use miles or a PMU/SWU to upgrade. It's called revenue integrity. It's why a Four Seasons doesn't drag people off the street with promises of $50 rooms that would otherwise go empty.
Maybe this would be a fair argument if DL was turning a profit - but they aren't. Seems to me that it would make sense to take the revenue - people who are paying that much will still pay that much for the guaranteed seat. DL is leaving at least $5k for my trips over the next few months out of the country.
BTW - I'm a recent SkyMiles convert as the route network makes more sense for my travel needs.