The question is -- does that help or hurt Delta's bottom line?

True, I only spent $9,000 this year, but how much did giving me PM cost Delta? I would say the only extra cost (eg: cost in addition to flying me) was the extra SkyMiles.

I almost never get upgraded (as all my international segments, and most of my domestic segments) are in BE/FC. Hence, I am not even in competition with other medallions for battlefield upgrades.

Moreover, it doesn't cost Delta anything extra for my checked luggage. As I am flying BE across the pond, I am allowed (even without status) two checked suitcases (32 kg each) on all segments on that itinerary. True, being Elite + gives me the right for a third checked piece of luggage, but I have never flown with three.

On the other hand, I am far from being a hub captive. I can take LY, US, or Delta non-stop to the US and connect there or I can choose from a large number of European airlines, connect there, and continue to my first stop in the States.

Now, if you were in charge of Delta and wanted to make the most money possible, would you give me the PM status to lure me into flying with it or would you take away that status and risk me going on a competing airline?