Actually, just getting C class upgrades is proving to be more difficult even with the Availability Tool. I have say that IMHO there are less seats.

I am based out of BDL and that seems to be the kicker. Book out of BOS or JFK and things are a bit better (read you might see C1 3 months out) but the awards seem lower and the dropping of the Eagle flight means connecting at JFK is out. Ironically, that is where UG seem to be more available.

Routes I tried for 2-3 months out that required much more leg work than usual. Admitedly, I finally got what I wanted but had to connect more than usual. Additionaly, it feels like you need to plan ahead about 1-2 months more than inthe past.

BDL-FRA No C class
BDL-MCO No F award seats
BOS-LHR No J award seats
BOS-LHR limited C class
JFK-LHR resonable C class
JFK-LHR reasonable Y award seats
BDL-NRT No J award seats
BOS-NRT limited J award seats (multi connections)
JFK-NRT limited award seats

Honestly, it does seem harder than in the past. I realize the BDL feeder is probably causing some of the trouble but this is year 3 of me doing this nearly every month and it has been tough lately.