Upgrades (J to F) seems easier, as upgrades are auto requested?
It's possible I'm misunderstanding you, but outside of operational upgrades in oversold situations, AA doesn't have any complimentary upgrade from J to F. You can use one of your system-wide upgrades (SWUs) on both international and Flagship transcontinental routes to go from J to F. On domestic routes, you'll also enjoy unlimited auto-requested complimentary upgrades from from Y to the next-highest cabin on a space-available basis.