You're right, of course--everything is subject to availability, but look at the sleight of hand here: all Delta has done is provided AN OPPORTUNITY (which costs them ZERO) and taken away something concrete (bonus miles--not that it costs them much, but it was something).

Obviously, the "theory of unlimited upgrades" is better than the "theory of restricted upgrades" but in the end, it's fairly meaningless. I'm amazed that all the hard-boiled FTers who have been so critical of DL up until now are all of the sudden thinking they've "won" when in fact, all they've been given is a promise in exchange for what would have been a material certainty (i.e., bonus miles).

I kinda have to hand it to Patrice -- he's apparently (to read this board) snatched victory from the jaws of defeat simply by reframing his rhetoric and making people think Delta is giving them something. Again, as a "high-spender" with a TON of possible upgrades coming to me that can't be used because there is no availability, I have to wonder: how much are those upgrades worth, exactly....? I'll trade you my 4 remaining Plat. Upgrade Certs that expire in 2003 for $2 (and I'd advise you not to take me up on it unless you think these make better toilet paper than dollar bills).