比較N1

〜だけましだ

...is still better than nothing / at least... (compared to the alternative)

Structure

普通形 + だけましだ

Although not ideal, it is still better than the alternative; often for self-comfort.

雨は降ったが、ひどい風が吹かなかっただけましだ。

It rained, but at least there was no strong wind.

遅刻したが、会議に間に合っただけましだ。

I was late, but at least I made it to the meeting.

The first clause is an acceptable-if-not-ideal fact, often for self-comfort. Synonymous with まし.