So, I've read most of this thread now and have a pretty good understanding of upgrades on Cathay, but a few questions persist. Stil a newb obvi.

I bought two CX tix fare class "E" direct on their website for an IAD->HKG RT for 7/5->7/16 (we have an add-on to fly HKG<->HKT). I checked EF and still plenty of availability in all classes except PE on both legs from/to IAD.

I bought the tix knowing I couldn't upgrade on miles which I decided against and figured I'm completely okay with PE if that's all I end up with. Both of us are OWR. Pretty far down in the pecking order but at least not at the bottom.

Can I still bid for an upgrade? And, if so, what's the typical min-bid to upgrade?

Am I still eligible for an op-up with fare class "E" to business?

Still WAY too early to tell loads at this point... but am highly considering bidding up to business if I can for a min-bid.