Originally Posted by gabriel2

Except the heavy marketing of the Amex cards with lounge access is responsible for much of this effect and yet has no direct link to flight loyalty. There are many things that could be done. Not marketing so many lounge-eligible cards would be one. Adjusting the lounge eligibility for any newly issued cards. Raising the fees to allow for gradual expansion of SC services. Removing rollover MQM. Instead, DL decided to effectively remove the path to SC membership through frequent flying.