The feedback on your DPM should Never come as a surprise to an employee. If you are not performing well then you should have been told so during the year. You and your manager should make adjustments so that you are successful. iMO - any manager that leaves a partially successful status for an employee should be taken out of their management position pronto.
I've never believed in DPM's and I have had a hard time finding anyone that does believe in them. Communication is essential to a successful partnership.
The bubba plan is what Sabre managers use - if you're a member of the club then you will be okay and saved - no matter what you do or don't do. You're encouraged by upper management to bring forth gaps and issues but the bottom line is that no one wants to hear what the problems are.