Too bad buddy, as a new hire it means you are at the bottom of the list. NWA pilots that have been here for ten years should not be put below you. Your position is the least desired one at Delta and that is the only reason you have it. If you stove piped everyone predicated on the highest they could bid, you would be in a 88 which is the same type as a DC9. So guess what, you are no different than an NWA new hire.
PS
Career expectations do mean sh!t. This business is volitile and the only expectation you should really have is that you will probably lose your job at the worst possible time for you and your family.
It drives me nuts when people want their expectations protected. Guess what, when I was 16 I expected to be rich and be living in the playboy mansion by my 30s, I guess I'll have to mention that to the MEC so thay can get that in the SLI.