My SOP is to try to use delta.dumb only to check schedules, seat maps, and (try to find) fare class and pricing info. If delta.dumb won't give me the routing I want (in particular, NOT through JFK or ATL for Europe), I then go to united.com and purchase a business class ticket. Otherwise, I call the DM line for my ticket. Either alternative is costly for DL, but DL caused this and in particular I will not let delta.dumb route me involuntarily through Delta's center of the universe or deny me the flight combinations, connections, and fare classes I want to purchase.