[Icemaster]

Mqd's are new this year. Its the minimum amount of money youd need to spend with Delta. They offered a bunch of programs and credit cards that could be used to get you status without putting in the miles. Amex platinum for example.

It does get you some decent perks and upgrades. I usually fly first anyway, so upgrades arent as important. Where I see the benefit is when travel schedules get fouled up, being a revenue first class and platinum status gets me first dibs on getting rebooked.