I think last few years, the airline industry in US3 are consistent with one thing: REDUCING free UPGRADEs to premier cabins while trying to sell the seats in premier cabins even at a discount. Delta started it and the others have followed. Unfortunately this will come to intercontinental routes now. The things is, I am sure all US airlines wants to get rid of the free upgrade to business/first ASAP. Pay for what you get will become the new norm in airline industry.