Wow! Welcome to FT, first of all... and my what a rant that was!
Although I certainly understand the frustration, this policy is published on delta.com, as well as widely debated here on FT. We all know this policy is bogus, but it is the policy Delta has chosen to adopt, like it or not, when you purchased a ticket with them, this was part of the agreement. Sorry you found out the hard way! Perhaps this will change with the news from Jerry that is due in less than 12 hours.