THey aren't "two separate set of restrictions." Neither group can do a SDC, period end of sentence - the restriction is the same for all E ticket holders. Complaining that you can't get the fee waiver on a service that doesn't exist makes no sense.
Medallions don't "lose" the ability to get a free F upgrade, the E ticket never had that option in the first place. All E fares have the same restriction.
etc.
You make an interesting distinction.
For 30+ years Medallions could get all respective Medallion benefits on any
paid Economy fare.
Then Delta decided to devalue Medallion status by making a new class, "Basic" Economy, that was not eligible for upgrades, etc.
Correct, not a punishment, but certainly a devaluation.
For all of you thinking you never buy "E" fares, just as I don't either, I wonder how many will be squeling when Delta expands Basic Economy to V fares? What's next X??