As a flyer that's trying to go from no status to SE (I've hit Elite already) I constantly scan threads for any discussion on IKK as that appears to be the SE benefit that I would want the most.

So playing devil's advocate here, can we not take your argument above and take it one step further by applying it to the likelihood of control levels on J tickets that's cropped up since March 1st.

So if the OP was always getting a hidden benefit by being able to upgrade awards in Y, not only would it not force him to redeem more miles for J, it would save him the hassle of J inventory control which has been discussed in several other threads.