NRT logistically makes sense for DL. If DL is to move its Asia hub, PVG would make the most sense. Since China Eastern is based in PVG and China Southern has PVG as the 2nd biggest hub, DL in PVG could serve as a great China Gateway but that could quickly turn nasty for MU with it's PVG bound daily flights from most NA gateways. Whatever it is, I hope DL adds more flight from SFO to NRT (or wherever the next hub is at). For a loyal DL and SkyTeam guy like me, making more than one stop on the way to Asia is becoming a stress. I never understood why PDX makes a better western coast gateway than SFO. I hate UA with a passion, and would love to stay with DL and SkyTeam but the two hops through LAX/SEA/PDX and NRT is getting old.
I swear that DL's intra-Asia routes are run by the same set of crews. I keep seeing the same FAs on the NRT-TPE route and NRT-PVG route, on almost all my flights.