Interesting. I had previously heard from sources at CX that they were cautious about doing this because of the risk of "cheapening" the business cabin if every Tom, Dick and Harry can buy their way in. I don't necessarily agree that's what this does, but anyway I guess the extra revenue they should cull from was too attractive given CX's current financial difficulties.

Presumably this is the end for operational upgrades, why would they upgrade anyone for free if they can get even a modest amount of cash for the seat?

I am fine with the idea as long as it doesn't affect the availability of redemption upgrades. I'm a regular long haul business traveller so I have plenty of points to use on upgrades, but I'm less sure if I'd dip into my pocket for an upgrade. They've said it won't affect redemptions, but occasionally I've had a redemption upgrade clear only a few days before a flight, I wonder if it gets that late and CX effectively has a choice between dollars and points, who they will give the seat to.