I have a Continental Y fare LAX-BKK in Dec on Northwest, and in discussion with a CO Elite Phone Reservation 'Specialist' was advised, that I would get a refund for a $150.00 charge if I cancelled the flight.

Am concerned because I requested to be upgraded with CO miles at time of ticketing. LAX-NRT-LAX was upgraded, and the NRT-BKK-NRT segments were NOT, and there are no seats available and NO waitlist. CO says there is nothing they can do, but keep calling (every day) to see if space became available.

NW says there is no waitlist, since CO miles were used!
What partnership?

After having to fly in Coach this weekend SAN-EWR-SAN without a Gold Elite upgrade, I have little desire to fly the NRT-BKK segments in coach, since the miles were charged to my account.

Yes the CO planes are full and there is next to NO possiblility of upgrades for even Gold Elites.