There has never been a time in history when DAL was worse off then AA. Delta has much better management and always has.
If you commute for either one or live in a DAL base the choice is a no-brainer. IMO.
I would at least apply first, you can't turn down a job you don't have.
Over time, DAL, SWA, jetBlue, and Spirit/Frontier are going to eat our lunch. Our product is crap compared to DAL/jetBlue and our front facing people are bitter and absolutely hate customers. Hell, even our own employees hate each other.
Why am I still here? I plan to move/retire to a junior AA base and AA can at least give me a couple more years so I can walk away if needed.