The SSP is metered to Delta by contract to a certain number over a time period and goes in somewhat a seniority order. Personally, for myself I have about 250 pilots with CJOs ahead of me and at an average release to delta of say 12 a month I am looking at realistically 18-24 months before seeing a Delta class date. That's my holdback. Also, if an FO chooses to upgrade, he/she will be subject to an additional 6 months withholding to Delta to serve as a captain at 9E for those 6 months. I just upgraded myself, but with 18 months already to wait the 6 month holdback for upgrade won't really matter. With the DGI you have already served time as a Captain for 9E so you interview, you will get the earliest available class date as I understand it.