Other North & South America Frequent Flyer Programs - Is LAN backing away from the Minimum Fares?

I noticed today a pop-up ad that says you can upgrade using kms with NO minimum fare until December 31. This originally began as a June-July promotion. It was then extended to August and later September. It seems that now they have stretched it all the way to the end of the year. I am sure this is indicative of something, just not sure what.

It's an attempt of LAN to lower the quantity of kms. floating in general. Since the banks and asociated commerces are giving them away like candy, kms. have been devaluating over time, hence the "Flexible" travel awards.

It's an attempt of LAN to lower the quantity of kms. floating in general. Since the banks and asociated commerces are giving them away like candy, kms. have been devaluating over time, hence the "Flexible" travel awards.

Must be another reason, 'cause LAN just had a half price sale for kms which of course would increase the number of kms floating around, so maybe that is not their primary concern.

I should note I am having trouble finding a "classic" seat to cash in some kms but easier to use for upgrading.

I noticed today a pop-up ad that says you can upgrade using kms with NO minimum fare until December 31.
on which LAN.com country website did you get this popup?

on which LAN.com country website did you get this popup?
Argentina

Argentina
cool ... here is the respective link http://www.lan.com/lanpass/canjee_kms/20090518_canje_upg-es-ar.html

all spanish language versions state the end date for the promotion end of december 09
http://www.lan.com/lanpass/canjee_kms/20090518_canje_upg-es-ar.html
http://www.lan.com/lanpass/canjee_kms/20090518_canje_upg-es-pe.html
http://www.lan.com/lanpass/canjee_kms/20090518_canje_upg-es-cl.html
http://www.lan.com/lanpass/canjee_kms/20090518_canje_upg-es-us.html

all other language versions still have end of september as expiry date for the promotion
http://www.lan.com/lanpass/canjee_kms/20090518_canje_upg-en-us.html
http://www.lan.com/lanpass/canjee_kms/20090518_canje_upg-de-de.html
http://www.lan.com/lanpass/canjee_kms/20090518_canje_upg-pt-br.html

unfortunately the "no minimum fare" rule only applies to km upgrades :-(

BTW, does that mean the upgrades can be booked until end of december (although the flights take place later in 2010) or do the upgraded flights have to take place before end of December 2009?