Thanks for the feedback, everyone - really appreciate them.

Sounds like with rounding up, I should be okay. I have two separate itineraries in early Dec to test, with the first of which coming next week.

I am less inclined to spend more, especially given I might be only 1-2 MQD short (if using precise base fare approach). I should not have been in this position in the first place, if Delta would do its job correctly.

I am also less inclined to go find another flight, and spend more in the process. have flown way too much already this year...will end the year with around 130 segments and over 200,000 miles flown. I purposely don't fly around the holidays, as it is the only time for some quality time with the family for Thanksgiving and Christmas.