I wanted to post my update - was upgraded to J as an EXP 100 hours out on LAX-JFK (for me and my travel companion) using upgrade 'stickers' for her and mine complimentary. First flight of the day (7am) on a Sat morning so that's probably why I even had a chance at it. Had been tracking the flight for weeks and the J cabin remained hopeful but I didn't think I'd get so lucky as to 100 hours out. Anyway, now I'm tracking the flights JFK-LAX home in a couple weeks and see if I can pull it off again. Will report back!