Delta changing our flight itinerary, now with SHORT connections!

Delta changing our flight itinerary, now with SHORT connections!?
Hello! Back in June I booked flights from Cleveland, OH to Osaka, Japan, for myself, my husband, and four of our friends. This is going to be the best trip of our lives, so we've planned everything far in advance. We're scheduled to leave November 16th. What I have taken an issue with is when I booked the tickets, I gave us at least an hour and a half at our connections (there are two between Cleveland and Japan). Delta decided to change the schedules so now our connections are only 44 and 46 minutes, respectively. This may or may not be enough time to catch our next flights - I've checked the airport maps and fortunately, it looks like our arrivals and departures are in the same terminals. But I called Delta and asked if I could get some kind of better layover flight plan, and they said they can't do anything ... I find this to be a bit of BS. There is even a great schedule departing an airport very close by (Delta of course) that we would prefer to take - you'd think Delta would switch us to that, ensuring we don't miss a flight? But the operator said she couldn't do that. Does anyone have any experience with short layovers, missed connections, and/or Delta customer service? I just need some reassurance here that the trip I painstakingly planned isn't going to go up in smoke. Here is another question ... say we end up getting to Seattle late, because of weather or mechanical issues ... I see Delta offers a flight to Japan the next day, or they offer a flight later in the day, with a 16 hour layover in Honolulu. Would they be more apt to make us wait in Seattle for that next day flight, or try to get us out and have that layover in Honolulu? That's a really long layover and as much as I loved being there for my honeymoon, I don't really need to go back.
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When I have been delayed overnight while traveling on Delta, they offered me a choice of the continuing travel options. Once your trip is interrupted through no fault of your own Delta can change your itinerary almost as you wish (going to the same destination). ----------------------------------------------------------------------------- Something similar happened to me and it worked out, though the flights were all on time. It appears you are going Cleveland-Cincinnati-Seattle-Osaka. The good news for your schedule is that you aren't traveling through Atlanta, which would require a change of terminals. If it works for you, call Delta and ask about flying CLE-CVG-SEA on the 15th. There may be a fee and you will have to pay for your own hotel in Seattle, but it basically eliminates the chance of missing the SEA-KIX flight. If the answer is no or the cost is too high, remember Delta is responsible for getting you to your destination - and they will have to pay for meals, hotel, etc. if you are delayed because Delta reduced the time between flights. Other things you can do are: If you don't already belong then join Delta's frequent flier program and call them to add the number to the reservation. Get to your home airport two (2) full hours before your flight is scheduled to depart - even if that means getting there really early in the morning. Make sure the check-in agent knows you have really tight connections - they may be able to put Priority tags on your luggage.. Sit as far forward in the aircraft as possible so you exit ahead of the crowd. You can select seats on www.delta.com and www.seatguru.com has info on seat selection. Pack basic toiletries (follow the TSA rules) and a complete change of clothing in your carry-on bag. Use normal-size suitcases that weigh 50 pounds or less. Oversize/overweight bags are far, far more likely to be delayed. Tag your checked luggage inside and outside with your name as it appears on your ticket, your SkyMiles number, and a phone number someone will answer. Know the brand, color, etc, of your checked luggage and what they contain. Don't plan anything critical for the 17th. You shouldn't anyway because you will be wasted from the time change/et lag for the first day or two. It will still be the "best trip" even if there is a delay. Don't let the potential delay become more than it is (and you may have no problems at all).