I don't think that phone agent knew more than you or I about the intentions of Delta on this front. I'm still hoping DL will have a change of heart. This is a pretty big issue and although I'm a loyal Delta flier and generally am very happy with their service, this is one area in which they totally drop the ball, I have even found instances when the J fare is lower than the M fare!

I may look for other pastures if they don't change this by the end of the year.