Each year, I'm able to get to $220,000 in YTD spend across my Delta Amex accounts. So, I am happy to top up my spend with overpaying taxes. It will cost me about the same as a skyclub membership. I've never had to play the MS game, but I will certainly be reading up on that going forward!
And YES, before someone asks it again, YES, YES, YES, there is a value to being a DM even if you aren't reaching 15k MQDs a year. Arguably, I use the benefits far less than road warriors, but having the DM status makes the 30 or so trips I take a year incredibly enjoyable, especially now that the upgrade priority is the same for a companion. I've ventured out on other airlines, and being a no-status Y flyer on them is not fun. I live in NYC and benefit from incredibly cheap airfares both domestically and internationally.