I would think the new Global Upgrade is a mixed bag for DM's on Intl flights. Over the past few years I have been both DM and PM. I never buy J (although recently I have purchased 1-way Z inventory) and have stuck to Y/B/M. As a DM on the waitlist, I was upgraded 7/8 times on LAX-NRT-LAX. The only time I wasn't upgraded was when there was a cancellation of another US-bound flight and they moved all the J passengers onto the LAX flight. As a PM, I was upgraded 3/4 times. My fare was always M or above. I have flown through SEA or DTW on occasions to ensure my
chances.

With the new Global upgrades, it pretty much eliminates PM's from scoring an OP unless coach is oversold and folks are bumped up. Within the DM community on a particular flight, one would assume DM's now purchase the cheaper fare (say Q, S, T etc.) and unless it clears ahead of time, the fare-bucket and medallion status will dictate the order. Now, the spectrum of fares which DM's will book is much wider, so while in the SWU days, pretty much M-fare is what the DM's book (occasional B... but unlikely to be Y since the Z or other Biz fare is usually cheaper than Y)... now, it changes, so I think DM's will book closer to M than really take the opportunity to book the cheapest fare.

Thoughts?