If you want maximum benefits from status for minimal effort and $, consider moving to Canada (no MQD requirements, Delta flights priced in CAD$ and less elites flying to Canadian cities meaning more upgrades). In your case, I don't think it's worth chasing status.

The key benefit specifically for you I think, for your transpacific is having access to preferred seats, and since you seem to have booked or will be booking very early, you can nab an exit row seat which are incredibly roomy on widebodies.

Otherwise, the other benefit to flying Delta as a general member when they are comparably priced to other options are that Skymiles don't expire.