I downgrade to PM this year and it has been painful. Last year, as a DM, I was routinely #1 or 2 for upgrade to first, if I didn't get it in advance, and nearly got it 100% of the time at the gate. I fly Midwest, either out of MSP or DEN to Midwest cities, every week. I did a ton of MSP-PIA last year, which is why I am only PM this year. I didn't have time for any mileage runs. I thought it would be OK. The longest flight I ever take is ATL-DEN or DEN-CVG, which I was 100% upgraded to first last year as a DM. Now, as a PM, I am routinely #9 or lower for first and even lower for C+, unbelievably so! I buy tickets with less than 2 weeks before travel, but routinely have to change my flights and most often Delta.dum does not let me do it online, so I have to call. It is bloody awful. I don't think I had to wait on the DM line for more than 5 times last year, but so far this year, every single time I have called, it has been a 8-20 minute wait. And the agents are terrible! Rude! I don't expect the "favors" I got as a DM this past year. Last year, one agent waived a $200 change fee "because you are so nice and didn't complain or beg to reduce the fee". Needless to say, I am going to hunt up some mileage runs, so I am DM hopefully before the year ends.