Maybe this is true. I hope it is true.

But the e-mail from Delta reads: "Beginning February 1, 2022, all newly selected Upgrade Certificates must be redeemed in the Medallion Year associated with that Choice Benefit selection"

I should earn 2023 Plat status early in 2022 which is easy for me with nearly 400,000 rollover MQM. Just have to pay taxes using a Delta Plat or Reserve early in the year. So if I earn Plat status in January or February 2022 and select 2023 RUCs as a Plat choice benefit, are we sure I can use them in 2022 as the Medallion Year associated with that Choice Benefit selection will not start until February 1, 2023.

Maybe the do have more than a year of "life" but can still only be used for flights between February 1, 2023 and January 31, 2024.

As a separate matter after many years as a DM I am going to switch to PM using rollover as long as they last and credit card spend to qualify for the 4 RUCs and theoretically the ability to change award flights for free assuming they end the waivers for those lower than PMs. I am also done with status chasing. From now on it it is best flights on any airline, RUCs confirmed at booking and/or WFBF for me.