I moved over to AS MVPG for 2013 and will be DL statusless for the first time in many years for the 2013 year once 28th February hits!

I decided though that I'd push the miles to MileagePlan instead and give the AS program a try for a year. I primarily fly transborder (my Intl flying is largely on UA) so I'm looking for a strong domestic/N. American program. AS gives me DL SkyPriority and much of the same benefits I currently enjoy as a DL Gold including baggage, boarding, seating benefits etc. I also get some kind of apparent elite benefits at AAwful Airlines, but I go to great lengths to avoid them wherever possible and don't anticipate this will be much of a benefit to me.

The upgrades on DL will suck being battlefield only. Conversely, the upgrades on AS will hopefully be significantly better than my current batting average as a DL Gold. Given I anticipate half my flying next year to be on AS, this should even out.

I thought about buying MQMs and/or doing a MR to keep status with DL, but given the partnership with AS, I think I'll give it a year on the dark side

That said, I've always had good experiences as a GM at DL. I'll miss the Medallion line agents at Chisholm. I'll miss getting those emails 4 or even 5 days out saying "you've been upgraded!". I'll miss getting upgrades on award tickets (AS doesn't offer this benefit, even to MVPG+). Probably the only thing I won't miss is the terrible award calendar and award travel booking pains!

I think they're both good programs, and if you're flying might include AAwful Airlines or BA etc. in addition to DL and AS, then MileagePlan is definitely a compelling option to consider.