I currently have a weekday 8:50am departure next week from SAN with a 35min connection time in ORD connecting to LH. I have a couple of printed upgrade certs which usually seem to work for a C->F upgrade on LH, but I'm concerned about the short connection. There is an earlier flight (6am ish), but thats really early departure.

a) does LH still depart from the end of B concourse?
b) chances of making the connection
c) chances of making the connection and showing up at the gate in time to be upgraded
d) would you get up early and standby for the earlier flight ex SAN?

thanks for your thoughts.