Reflecting on Burkey's original post, is that one of the reasons the ff programs would be consolidated on a 'regional basis', allowing upgrades in the American region where they are (commercially) a requirement, but allowinhg BA/QF to avoisd them on a rest of the world basis? I don't know for sure as I am UK based, but it is my understanding that the US BA Executive club does offer upgrades to its members.

perhaps BA might also consider the cost savings of a consolidated program to outweigh the inconveneince of having to award a few upgardes?