Unless there are any missing details that have yet to be divulged ( doubt it ) the AA loyalty points program is a lot more fun ( for lack of a better word ) and engaging.
Between simply miles , aa shopping where the multipliers also count as loyalty points it has an organic way of keeping you invested in their ecosystem. Also their cc gives unlimited access to their clubs and you get loyalty points boosts with certain spend thresholds. The delta mqd system seems rather boring and laborious without any carrots along the way.
Yes delta clubs are nicer than AA but I’d rather eat cheeze wiz on stale crackers with popov Vodka than pay $550 for a reserve card that limits my access to lounges at 10 per year. Yes there is a companion certificate but it’s not the easiest to use. The only perk if you can call it that is $10 per mqd. This doesn’t give the reserve card a premium feel at all. UA and AA also give some other soft perks ( priority access lanes upon check in and UA has 2 bags for free instead of one plus priority baggage handling). The reserve card has none of these to even give you the illusion you’re getting something for the $550.
This new announcement does not incentivize me to spend on my delta co branded Amex card. Unless I get some incredible retention offer I will not be renewing and will be putting even more spend on my AA card