Delta and AMEX collaborated on what appeared to me as a consumer to be a better bargain for "bundling" club access and "premium" credit card service than if I were to purchase them separately. Delta also linked medallion status to having such a credit card.

I used to have a SkyClub membership which was not linked to any credit card. I used to also have a "plain" Delta Sky Miles AMEX prior to obtaining the purple Reserve Card. With the Reserve Card, I get both. Also, remember that you have to have a same day flight on Delta purchased on the AMEX card to be able to get into a SkyClub, so simply having the card doesn't by itself get you into the club.

My Reserve card was just renewed for another year, through next July. Delta better not engage in a "contract of adhesion" which changes the terms and limits the access to their club network I have paid for. I'm not a big financial burden for the Big D, as I basically stopped drinking alcohol and I don't like most the food they put out in the clubs. Also, I am not flying as much as I once did; I might make it to 50 segments by year's end (although I have 395,000+ MQMs presently). I might be better off getting a Priority Pass credit card that would get me into the airport lounge in CLE which ironically is close to the DL gates but is not a Sky Club.