You could have stopped right there.
Delta messed up. Again. 1991 when Delta took over Pan Am domestic routes after the latter had sold international to United, those of us who were lifetime Clipper Club members were sent Delta Crown Club (now Sky Club) membership cards with a letter from the Delta CEO welcoming us, then stating that the lifetime membership was no more after April 1992 meaning we would be charged annual dues for club membership.
That lasted about six months when they realized what a bone headed decision they had made. I still have cards for both, although Delta never could replace Pan Am. Remember that they neglected to change their name to Pan Am at a time when everyone in the world knew it was the American international airline going back half a century plus. No one in Tokyo, London or Rio had much regard for an old south airline from Georgia.