I don't think that Delta needs to say that irops can change the upgrade order for them to put customers in F who have experienced irops.
The entire policy that people are talking about is part of the "unlimited complimentary upgrade" program. This is the program that puts medallions into first class seats when they are available. Delta has never said that this is the only way to get into first class for free, its just one way. Delta does not need to publish all of the ways that someone might get into first class--its a private company and can do whatever it wants to (and they clearly do!!)
If Delta chooses to put a customer in first class for irops or any other customer service issue, I don't see any reason why the airline can't do this. It might bother people, and it certainly would bother me if I were to loose an upgrade over it, but its well within the airlines rights to do so. We all get mad when the rules bend in someone else's favor but delighted when bending the rules works for us. At the end of the day, I think having somewhat flexible rules with agents empowered to use their discretion makes for a better customer service experience.