To answer a previous thread in this post; I flew DFW-AUH-DFW in Feb. When I got the select upgrade email, the lowest bid for DFW-AUH was $1200 (max $3000) USD and from AUH-DFW was $1300 (max $3700). I bid the lowest amount and each confirmed 48 hours prior to the day of departure.
There was still J/R inventory 72 hours before the flight, and then about 48 hours before, Expert Flyer alerted me, less than 7 J remaining. Then I checked the PNR and noticed I had been upgraded.
Well worth it, fantastic experience.
Miles posted as 0 to Etihad Guest for the outbound, so I'll give it a few more days for the return to post then give them a call. Etihad Guest seemed to be the best place to bank these for now (assuming they post!)
There was a huge conference going on in Abu Dhabi when I was leaving so I didn't expect my return to clear.
Cheers and YMMV on the upgrade amounts.
xx/02/2015 DFW - AUH EY0160 /X 0 0