Thanks everyone. Sounds like the decision to upgrade to first from business should really only be based on experiencing first rather than the lounge differential. Which makes sense. Since it will be my last long haul travel for awhile (global work project nearing completion) I just might do it. EK miles don't transfer well and they don't fly domestic much which is where most of my travel will be this coming year. I will be heading to Argentina for my last global flight but don't know about EKs routes that way.