I am a recent Silver member and have just started my international travel career. I frequently read this forum and the advice and tips has helped me to reach 60000+ miles. I am presently in Lagos and the return J flight will give me another 15000+ miles. I have some points to convert in to miles and a flight or two planned for later in the year. My goal is for 100000 miles.

And here is my question (and frustration!!). The 100000 will, in theory, allow me to buy 4 WT+ returns to Miami and upgrade the family to CW (an impressive $ saving). However, availability is so poor that it may never happen. Would the system work better if availability was significantly improved but maybe the miles required increased? Where is the 'balance'?

To start, I would 'pay' 75000 miles (present *3) for a WT+ to CW return upgrade for a US route if... a seat available for cash is available for upgrade, no exceptions.

Lee