DL and CO - new elite designations
 

With the devaluation of elite status at DL and CO, the silver, gold, and platinum designations just don't apply anymore, as their status is worth so much less than other airlines.

I would suggest that they rename them tin, brass, and pewter.

I am in the process of comping my brass medallion status at DL for REAL gold at NW.

Isn't elite status at DL and CO of a greater value now that it is more difficult to obtain?

Only DL devalued it's elite status. Continental actually improved it's elite status by keeping benefits the same and making it harder to obtain. DL made theirs harder to obtain but gutted the benefits.

You are confusing hard to obtain and more costly to obtain. CO has made it more costly to obtain the same benefit, hence the value is diminished.

I'm reminded, too, of NJ David's excellent chronological list of all the take-backs CO has done in recent years. Most of the damage has come in little bits rolled out very gradually. Seeing it all compiled gives a better look at the big picture.