だけまし (dake-mashi): At least better; fortunate that
～だけまし (dake-mashi)
Meaning
At least better; fortunate that
Formation and usage
plain clause + だけまし（だ）
Notation: N = noun; V dictionary = dictionary-form verb; V stem = the stem before ます; plain clause = plain-form clause; negative stem = the form before ない. Follow the attachment shown above.
Explanation
Finds one redeeming feature in a bad situation by comparing it with something worse.
Examples
会議は延期されたが、中止にならなかっただけましだ。
The event, the meeting, was postponed, but at least it was not canceled.
試験は延期されたが、中止にならなかっただけましだ。
The event, the exam, was postponed, but at least it was not canceled.
研修は延期されたが、中止にならなかっただけましだ。
The event, the training session, was postponed, but at least it was not canceled.
発表会は延期されたが、中止にならなかっただけましだ。
The event, the presentation event, was postponed, but at least it was not canceled.
面接は延期されたが、中止にならなかっただけましだ。
The event, the interview, was postponed, but at least it was not canceled.
How related patterns differ
ものを regrets an avoidable bad outcome. やむを得ず reluctantly accepts circumstances; だけまし finds a redeeming point. としたところで and たところで assume a case but commonly maintain a limitation in the result.