My recommendation: you can schedule change to pretty much any itinerary for sale with the same cities and day. So first check if there's a better one for you, even if it's more expensive. Second, DL uses Y for reaccomodation on paid tickets, thereby rendering your fare class upgradeable. So use miles to upgrade.
I believe OP is stating that, at the time of booking, the direct cost $60 more than the connection. OP went for the direct flight, now cancelled, and wants $60 back because the rebooking is on a cheaper fare.
Unfortunately, the flight on the way back is the best of the options offered..it looks like when they rescheduled me to this flight, they kept me at a T, so no upgrade available
..Otherwise, I definitely would have used miles for an upgrade..I really appreciate the feedback!