I fail to see how this is good news for anyone other than DMs. Based on the number of DM comments here on FT, the DMs represent the majority of posts, but they are a small percentage of the overall Delta elite members. Once the majority of elite members learn and understand these changes, they will understand this is just another Delta devaluation.

I've selected SWUs for upgrades on leisure international travel - that is the main attraction of a frequent flyer program for me. So now the value of the DL FF program is gone for me. I'm already eligible for domestic upgrades as a medallion and could simply improve my chances by not buying the lowest fare.

No matter what I do, I won't be able to make DM status, so I'll need to reassess other programs and how they'll compare for a PM type member. Delta, I'm so disappointed in these changes….PM will soon be the new FO (and I don't mean silver).

What am I missing? What value will the "new and improved" program have for the many elites who are not DM?

PS. One other minor question re: Hawaii upgrades. I guess the ATL-HNL route is still excluded?