While SM is getting more and more worthless I never really understood all this fuss about zone 2 (now zone 1). I find that even on very heavy business routes with tons of GM and above there is still plenty of overhead when zone 2 boards- of course with many more zone 2s it helps to be towards the front of that zone, but it really seems to be the poor souls with no status or amex that get the shaft when it comes to overhead space. Really why else rush to board unless you're in first and can get in a nice pre-flight drink.

It really seems that with priority boarding and most of SkyPriority benefits Delta is offering a "status symbol" more than anything else, just like those silly yellow priority luggage tags that get your bag to you one minute faster than everyone else. I see why it works- not to sound socially elite (which I am not) but frequent business travelers are usually not at the upper echelon of the corporate world (though exceptions exist). These are the work-horses of corporations who spend tons of time away from home and family while the truly elite stay home in the comfort of their own bed (or have their own jet). Status symbols are nice, they make us feel good about ourselves, but in reality they do little of practical benefit. Most of SkyPriority is for show- perhaps the only really practical benefit is the security line.

The reality is that I feel very bad for those who earn SM with their butt in a seat (posted this in a prior thread as well). Truth is I "buy" SM and its few benefits the same way others "buy" a gold amex and its benefits. With a platinum amex I rack in 20,000 MQM per year by charging over $50,000 annually (not hard to do with a big family). All it takes is 2 domestic round-trips and I hit silver. The $150 annual fee is well-worth it for the rare upgrade (had one last week on a weekend flight) and the annual companion ticket (assuming you use it) can be worth well more than $150. I believe part of the reason Delta has devalued SM so much is that they realize that many SM are not frequent fliers at all. If I were an SM who actually earned that status with flying I would be furious at the situation.