Yep, I should have said don't use mileage on domestic upgrades if you can get them otherwise. Chances are you CAN'T get international upgrades otherwise... at least that's not normally dependable.

Regarding coach to Asia.... ORD to EWR rt ANYTIME ought to cost less than coach to Asia. In fact, they ought to pay US to fly coach to Asia.

I still think it's generally true the higher the mileage required for the award the higher the value per mile, and I think that's often overlooked. I have had a total of 3.5 million on NW, so it's certainly been easier to pursue the higher awards. But the 100,000 k range is probably in reach for most frequent flyers.