Originally Posted by UnitedSkies

Perhaps you missed some of the earlier discussion where multiple posters have pointed out that unless H class or higher was the only available booking class left, in many cases, not having to buy up to H class was a significant savings and that even with a co-pay, you may be paying LESS than if you had to buy up to H and upgrade.

A poster above also just mentioned that on SFO-SYD departing in a few weeks is $806 in K class and $3,476 in H. That's a $2,600 spread. But under the co-pay system, you COULD pay the K fare and upgrade for $500, saving over $2,000 in the process.

I think my observation can be concluded as: you win some, you lose some. I think each of us needs to look at this holistically and see whether or not it makes sense. Mileage programs were never made to be one-size fits all to begin with.