Originally Posted by clarence5ybr
However, you are based in Arlington, and there have been recent threads about how even Plats can have difficulty getting upgrades on flights into and out of DCA, so you should take into account what routes you'll be flying if upgrades are your main concern.
I agree. If you fly mainly out of DCA, you can pretty much forget upgrades as a Silver unless you fly Saturday mornings.
As a platinum out of DCA, I'm 2/10 for upgrades to MSP this year, and 3/6 to DTW.
That said - DO IT. The 50% bonus miles and ability to grab select seats in advance alone are worth it!