Longtime lurker, first-time poster.
I've been following this thread with great interest — I fly TCON ~once a month (LAX-JFK), int'l ~4 times a year (mostly for business), and a few other domestic flights here and there.
Anyway. I emailed DL to let them know about my extreme disappointment with the discontinuation of the TCON upgrades and I thought you all would be interested in the reply I got today.
Thank you for contacting us through delta.com.
I am sorry to hear that you are disappointed in the changes to the
upgrades coming in 2014. Our goal is to provide a superior BusinessElite
product to our passengers, and because of this investment we have made
on the transcontinental flights {which include BusinessElite flat-bed
seats with Westin Heavenly In-Flight Bedding, and premium dining}, it is
important that we protect the value of these seats by discontinuing
complimentary upgrades.
I want to reassure you we take customer feedback very seriously and your
comments are not falling on deaf ears. I have forwarded your comments
to our SkyMiles Elite Leadership Team for internal review. I know there
is nothing I can say to erase your disappointment with these changes,
but please know my apologies are most sincere.
I hope with all the hours you have invested in Delta Air Lines as a
Platinum Medallion, you will protect that investment, and continue
flying with us.
Sincerely,
[redacted]
Medallion Desk
… which basically confirms everything people have been speculating in this thread. I guess it will remain to be seen what happens to the empty BE seats from now on...