It is dangerous to assume that Delta's aggressively high fares are in check, even when there is frequent, competitive nonstop service.

Looking at my travel tomorrow and return Wednesday in prime times, ATL-TPA, which is my most common route to fly:

Delta ATL-TPA is $431 OW in coach
Southwest ATL-TPA is $254 OW in coach

Connecting to and from the exact same flights though Atlanta, but originating in Columbus:

Delta CMH-ATL-TPA is $272 OW in coach
Southwest CMH-ATL-TPA is $148 OW in coach

As informed frequent flyers, we need to keep informed about the marketplace -- our decisions to purchase can be important drivers of these kinds of disparities. I assume we wouldn't pay this difference from our own pocket, or let our employer pay it either. Delta would certainly never let one of its employees do this when intentionally buying a product.

I guess I'll pay the $16 extra and see what Business Select will bring me on Southwest and work on renewing status later.