I concur and also think it's more about DL getting a slice of the big, and growing, market in China than anything else. It's about high volumes of low yielding pax (as seasoned travelers and higher spenders are likely to avoid PVG, unless that is their O or D).

DL could still use a better, stronger hub or semi-hub for int'l Asia connecting traffic. ICN or TPE would be ideal, but, alas, DL has no interest to cooperate with KE or CI, it would appear. As on many other routes recently, DL may be inclined to gradually give up more and more of its market share on many routes and between many O&Ds. As a passenger, I'd much rather fly on KE or CI anyway than DL, and am glad that there is more room left for other SkyTeam airlines to strengthen their position, while DL gives up or reduces capacity in many markets.