I get what you're saying and it is an ugly "technicality" but in a way it makes sense and I'm sure Delta is not the only one who does it. But because you booked two seperate reservations, "technically" your return wasn't effected, because it was on a different locator and had nothing to do with the first one... "technically". I know a lot of people do this and make no mistake, no one should ever, EVER book two seperate reservation because you lose on the protection. Take your trip for example: ABQ-DCA-AUS. Let's break it down to two parts ABQ-DCA, DCA-AUS and the second portion is on another airline. What happens if you misconnect and can't make the second? The second airline will charge you a change fee (possibly) because they didn't get you in late and the first airline will wash their hands of you because you bought two different tickets. And no matter how late they got you in, their argument is "We got you here and we can't rebook you because its not our ticket, take it up with the other airline". I think before we start calling out the airlines to set things straight, we must first learn to never book different itineraries. I've never been in that position myself, but I know friends who have and stuff like this happens where they end up paying. On the one hand I agree they should refund both tickets, however I can see why they did it... "technically" speaking...
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