A lot depends on where you travel.

Even as a PM, a lot of routes are packed (i.e. Monday AM, anything via ATL), and with the NW merger there are more Elites, and more people willing to pay for F, therefore less upgrade opportunities as a PM. So in this case, maybe buying A First Class fares is the way to go..... domestically!

If you travel overseas, the F (J) vs Y disparity is much greater, and as a PM you have PMUs and the ability to upgrade with miles (which you earn more of, as a PM/GM), so maybe being a PM is not so bad.

Tough Call.