you don't necessarily need to avoid Delta like the plague...
Unless you're a frequent traveler who actually wants to be able to use the miles you've accumulated without jumping through hoops and, more likely than not, spending significantly more miles than you originally anticipated. Or if you don't appreciate being "bait and switched" with "low-tier" awards that simply aren't made available.
If you fly infrequently, or don't care about using your miles, Delta is a perfectly fine airline.