A FlyerTalk Posting Legend
Join Date: Sep 2009
Location: Minneapolis: DL DM charter 2.3MM
Programs: A3*Gold, SPG Plat, HyattDiamond, MarriottPP, LHW exAccess, ICI, Raffles Amb, NW PE MM, TWA Gold MM
Posts: 100,404
In addition to SPG giving night/stay credits for award bookings, DL gives full status miles for business and first class "pay with miles" tickets which are NOT the same as award tickets.
As a general rule, upgrading with miles or certs gets you airline status and redeemable miles for the fare you paid.