Don't want to defend DL too much here but I have never had real issues booking award tickets. I recently found out that DMs, PMs only get special inventories on COACH tickets, GMs get their own special inventory for COACH tickets, and FOs get their own special inventory for COACH award tickets....then general Skymiles members only have their very limited "N" class award tickets.

Most people on this board get angry because they cannot get BUSINESS or FIRST class award tickets at the LOW level. To me, it makes sense why DL wouldn't open up so many LOW level award tickets. They are for a more flexible traveler and have a limited supply. So people that say they cannot book award tickets are flat out wrong. You can book an award ticket if there is Y1 on any flight there is a seat. You may not like the price (Peak level occassionally) but you CAN redeem an award for that seat. Also, since the SkyMiles fairy comes so frequently, it makes it really nice for us FFs. A general member needs to be really flexible to find the low awards but as a PM I am happy that is the case because after all HVCs should have better availability. I wish DL would open up more Business and First Low Level Awards but they do a heck of a job selling the seats in a lot of international markets so it is really Rev Managements choice and if they are going to post profits like last year, I am happy.