I feel like I used the system the way that worked the best for me, and with a new system, I will adjust my use accordingly. But let's be honest, helping people achieve elite status is never what airlines were planning with MR-level deals, they're just trying to fill seats. The airlines occasionally offer fantastic rates on interesting routes, with the goal for them being to get price sensitive customers to bite.

In that regard, I disagree with the popular characterization of Delta making any type of emotional overture at any customers, giving them the finger, etc. They make choices based on what's best for their bottom line, I do the same for myself. If a change in the rules makes those two things not align anymore, so be it. I'm honestly not the customer DL should waste effort chasing.

Particularly in 2012, good vacation fares fueled my reaching FO status. But FO status was entirely a bi-product, and I still would've taken the trips even if I didn't get status out of it. When DL offers a good low fare that takes me somewhere I want to check out on the other side of the globe, I'm still going to buy it. When someone else does, I'll take that, as I would now also. Heck, you may be in the same boat, ultimately.

Everyone obviously has different priorities, but unlike some folks on FT (not referring to anyone in this thread), my destination and the trip in general are always the first considerations and the rest falls where it may. I've flown TPAC J on DL and loved it, but I've also flown TPAC Y on Delta and didn't return from two weeks in Korea and Hong Kong with the foremost lasting memory being "man, those were somewhat uncomfortable flights." It's always in how you look at things!