Going for DM
 

I know for 2023 there may be many but I like to stick with Delta.....in MSP.....upgrades tough I'm sure but with Reserve CArd too may helps....pay for F when traveling with significant other...for 2024 probably drop to PLT but give it a try for a year....could flip over to U or A but any advice....I suspect many think / asking same question....I'm in it for phone line, sudden scheduling changes, GUC....makes sense or flip and stay at PLT....does it make sense to have one carrier at the top tier?

FWIW, I''ve been DM since it was created and before that NW Plat for years and years.
I have the miles to make PM for next year and will likely get the Amex Reserve waiver. But won't make DM next year, or maybe ever again. Retired and flying on my own $s now.
It was nice while it lasted but resigning myself to being 'lifetime' gold based on being a 2MM as we move forward.

The biggest disappointment as a DM w Reserve card is the GUC. Not easy to use. Perhaps even forget about using them on partners. Sure, can use GUC and RUC domestically again, with some degree of difficulty. Go for it and see for yourself!

Everyone has been saying this. I really disagree. Yes, you need to buy PS to guarantee into D1 but you can still get at least $2-3K out of each cert without much problem.

That’s assuming that the flight is being operated by an A333/B763ER with the PS cabin. There are still 10 A333s and more than 30 B763ERs that don’t have the PS cabin. Any of these aircraft which are scheduled to fly on an International flight can be booked in MC and are automatically available to use a GUC cert to go straight into D1 (if available of course!).

Clarifying: major difficulty using on Partners.

First time DM last due to the MQD accelerator and will likely make it again this year. Obviously better than PM, I’ve managed to use both GUCs to upgrade award flights to Europe; upgrades are just tough everywhere with the rush to use RUCs and the density of travelers but I’m glad I did it. Hoping next year will be better. I’ll have 300k+ MQMs at the end of the year so I’ll be fine in out years making PM if this travel slows down.

I think the biggest motivator for OP is being based in MSP. I’d stick with Delta for sure, but if getting DM would mean extraordinary measures, then just stick with PM and call it good.

I've been DM since March 23 (ends Aug 31, acquired through an Amex promotion) and have had two round trips: AUS-ATL and DEN-LGA. I'm 100% for upgrades. I have DEN-BOS coming up next week and my upgrade has already cleared. We'll see what happens BOS-MSP-DEN on the way home. DL isn't my primary program but they're a preferred airline for my employer and for these trips they were the best least cost option (lowest non-basic economy fare). I don't have the DL Amex... just getting upgraded on status alone.

If you have a chance to earn DM and keep it and your flight schedules avoid peak "consultant travel times" I think you could expect a reasonably high domestic upgrade rate.