DL is in a unique position here since they've off-shored some of the reservations sales agents' positions. In fact, even NW said part of the reason they need to recoup fees is that they're not outsourcing this function. Seeing that DL has already outsourced some reservations services to India, they are realizing savings, and you can argue they don't need to charge the same fee as everyone else.

It's bad enough having to pay $5 to talk with one of NW's grumpy agents. If you think I'm going to pay $5 to talk to some contract Delta imbecile in India who can't even do the job, let alone understand what I'm saying, you gotta be out of your mind.