Delta states that the pilots will receive an average of $75,200 annually once PBCG takes over the pension plan. That's still quite good, but not what was promised. It's also more than many active pilots at Delta bring home. It's about what a First Officer with 5 years makes. My friends at Delta work twice as hard for half as much money as they did pre-911. It is hoped that things will get better soon.
You might look at thes tables. Looks like the maximum amount is less than $48,000 per year (for plans terminating in 2006).
Someone is telling your friends a fairy tail or there's money coming in from somewhere else.