Um, that's not what the FAQ's say
Sure it does. I see the same text as OP at
https://www.delta.com/content/www/en...ions-faqs.html
and the reality is that the agent just did you a favor.
Sort of. Waiving the change fee was a favor--I think everyone here acknowledges that. But allowing the use of the ticket as an ecredit less the change fee is standard unless specifically prohibited in the fare rules, as
MSPeconomist mentions.