As a long time Diamond and almost a 4 million miler, I have a lot of memories of what "used to be" with Delta, but as for current, present day, situations regarding upgrades, the world has
changed. All bets are off given the current day world of First Class Monitization. Delta wants people to
PAY to sit up front, and only if that doesn't come to pass, will they grant the few precious upgrades. Given the regional and global upgrade certificates, they trump the upgrade. As do mileage upgrades (with status) So, less and less seats are open at the "5 day window", so upgrades are less and less an option. And I, as a person who is bowing to Delta and paying $$ to upgrade (when reasonably priced), I enjoy the privilege of changing within the 24 hour same day confirmed window to whatever flight fits my needs with upfront space. Yes, I give up a FC seat, but I will take a FC seat on a more timely or enjoyable routing thereby taking a seat out of upgrade inventory. So, I want DL to hold back FC seats!
So, IMHO, the new world of Delta is requiring that if you want to be upfront, you
pay to be upfront. As a Diamond, it makes no difference if you are
#1 for the upgrade when then are NO seats to upgrade to. That has been my experience over the past year, and certainly in the past few months. Get used to this, Delta has changed, and wants us to
pay to ride up front. I for one, accept the upgrade if I get it as a rare gift, as they just don't have them to give away anymore. Yes, you need to question your loyalty, as loyalty is a two way street, but ride in the other carriers, and you will come back to Delta.
Might not be a popular post, but at least it is realistic given the changes that Delta has put in place. I will make lifetime platinum (4 MM) late next year if all goes as planned, but given the changes, it gives me nothing. Diamonds are regularly traveling in back cabin, what chances does a Platinum have? Gold? Silver? So, as has been said so many times before here, Want First? Pay First! (WFPF)