Runningshoes - The discussion is on upgrading with miles or upgrading with SWUs based on buying a higher fare booking class. United changed their rules this year so that an SWU can only be used to upgrade an H class or higher fare.

My same argument applies. I can spend $1500 on 3 economy trips to Europe in the off-season and have 37,500 status miles and 75,000 miles in my account because I get a 100% bonus. I can redeem the miles for a summer business class seat.

Or I could spend $1,500 for one H class summer fare and upgrade with an SWU and have 12,500 status miles and 25,000 miles in my account. I pay my own way and I wouldn't be traveling nearly as much if I paid more for a ticket to upgrade.

United 1K SWUs have been wonderful, But I am sitting on SWUs I haven't been able to use this year with the new rules. They issued an additional 4 SWUs in August valid on low international fares. I upgraded about 3/4 of my 20+ international trips over the past few years. I flew much more than what I could cover in SWUs. Also, my SWUs don't go that far because Ms. Satori makes preemptive claims on most of the upgrades. I think that is why I have been gifted so often by ticket counter staff.

Bottom line for me is that I will fly in the back if I have to pay significantly more for an upgradeable fare. Going places is my priority and the front of the plane is just a nice perk. When I have to make a choice my extra money goes for a better hotel, rather than a better seat on the plane.