I cannot recall a time when the upgrade dollar amount tab was less than just buying up. If you really want to pay for an upgrade to business you need to use the "change flights" tab to figure out the cost, and call for GG BUYUP. And then you will also get the PQMs and benefit of having a ticket in actual business class. Same thing in reverse - I will sometimes buy a cheap business class ticket with a not ideal connection because that is what is available, and check "change flights" from time to time (again, with the help of Yapta) to see if I can switch to the direct for about the cost of the change fee.