I am having the same problem. I have been able to convince them that my status is an asset to our company. Now that Delta has cut their service so much, there are frequent delays in my schedule. For example, I was in AUS and wanted to return about 1400. DL did not have a flight until the next morning. I was made to fly back on AA.

I wrote to DL and got a response. I told them that it was unlikely that I would make DM this year. They are very sorry and are constantly reevaluating their schedule.

I have very little faith that DL will be able to provide service that I can use in the future.