Wow! I don't see this as "protection money" at all. I see it as paying for enhanced/expedited service. Much as one would pay for a FC ticket or FedEx over USPS or Daily parking over economy.

As one who flies out of ATL more than 45 weeks a year, this could offer me enormous time savings - well worth the money IMHO.

And I don't understand Delta's threat to eliminate the Medallion line - if this program reduces the load on the Medallion line - then Delta and its customers benefit without Delta having to pay for or DO anything. I have seen the Medallion line snake all the way down into baggage claim on a Monday morning - and per another thread, hi-tail it over to the North concourse to either the elite line there or the T-Gate line.