You were absolute correct, it was a challenge from Star based on my senator status. I met the challenge and here is the email they sent me, I don't see any conditions:

Congratulations on completing the Status Match Challenge.

Medallion Benefits





Dear Mr. XXX,

Congratulations on successfully completing the SkyMiles Medallion® Status Match Challenge and earning Gold Medallion status through January 31, 2016!

We hope that you will enjoy what Gold Medallion status has to offer, including:

Unlimited Complimentary Upgrades on paid and Award Tickets
Delta Sky Priority® suite of services, featuring Priority Boarding, Priority Check-In and accelerated security lines at select airports
SkyTeam® Elite Plus status when flying internationally on our SkyTeam partner airlines
Complimentary or discounted upgrades to Economy Comfort™ seats
Same-day confirmed and standby fee waivers

Already enjoying Platinum Medallion status through our Status Match Challenge? Continue flying to meet the Challenge requirements to enjoy Platinum Medallion status through January 31, 2016.

You'll find everything you need to know about the Medallion program and your new benefits at delta.com/medallionprogram. Plus, your digital Medallion card will be available in the Fly Delta app for iPhone® and Android™ and can be sent to iPhone Passbook® once your account has been updated.

Thank you again for participating in the Challenge and becoming a member of the Medallion program.

We look forward to seeing you on board.


Medallion Benefits