Originally Posted by
sethb
The full tradeoff isn't that simple. If there's enough flying next year to actually use the status, then there's probably a difference in the status earned by the carryover of 49K vs. 0.
And yes, a couple of days ago I declined the chance to earn 400 MQMs for $0 because it wasn't worth the effort.
It is a bit irrelevant to say that you declined that chance to earn 400 extra MQM for $0 when the OP is saying that he is 400 MQM from getting DM unless you are also 400 MQM from DM for 2016 and have no other planned flight
plus OP state that he highly likely can earn PM under current medallion program next year, it is better he go for DM this year as we know Delta is currently in a decreasing trend with medallion benefit.
(it is also not known how OP get 50k MQM with reserve though as it is not possible? or may be DL Amex Plat +DL Reserve?
While the trend may not indicate future but if the economy do not change and there is no more competition then it is now, it is unlikely this trend will change as well.