My most recent trip on Delta was a very expensive YYZ-ATL roundtrip, purchased through my company's travel agency (American Express). Total cost was C$1117, with base fare of C$946, which is pretty expensive for this routing.

I was anticipating earning around 6,300 Skymiles (C$946 ~ US$700), based on the 9x earning rate as Platinum Medallion. However, I was shocked to see that I earned only 1,994 miles. After calling to inquire about this, the agent explained that this was due to the fare I booked being an "IT/Exception" fare, which earns miles based on distance traveled rather than ticket price. I've verified on my invoice that the fare class is Q, and no other indication of this being an IT/Exception fare. Ticket number starts with "006", which corresponds to the info on the exception fare page on the Delta website.

I'm wondering:
1. If this sounds correct?
2. If this is a common scenario?
3. If there was anything I should have done differently prior to booking to avoid this type of fare?
4. If there is any recourse at this point?


I'm currently on a status match to Platinum Medallion, based on my United MileagePlus 1K status. I'd like to retain this status to give me more flexibility to book on either alliance. However, this most recent experience doesn't leave me with a lot of confidence to switch some of my business to Delta. I've never experienced anything like this on prior bookings with United/Star Alliance flights.

Thanks in advance.