For international travel YTD mileage seems to count. Before I was a 1K I was once told a 1K with XXX miles YTD was going to get the last seat up front.

In the AEP business class lounge the upgrade list shows mileage ytd for all people on the list.
When you have a bunch of full fare business class 1k passengers (all paying the same fare) all wanting seats up front I can't imagine any other way to do it.