Legitimate question, no matter how insane it might sound. Would you take the in-app offer of $242 to upgrade from coach (most likely preferred economy, I am a gold and will be platinum or platinum pro before I board) to business on a MIA-LAX flight mid-day on a Wednesday?

Pros: It is my understanding this is the best set of seat AA's got, many say even better than first on the same plane. Lie flat. Miami is known for having restless passengers lately, this helps to ensure it is less likely I sit near one. 5 stickers is $200, so I would only be paying $42 extra in theory, to guarantee an upgrade now. MAYBE the food, but I found the condiment slathered turkey sandwich close to inedible due to my bizarre fear of most condiments. Who knows what this plane might serve.

Neutrals & "Cons": Drink service was awful my last business/first flight in August cross country, I don't really need a lie-flat at 3 in the afternoon, there is questionability in whether this upgrade will earn EQD but it should based on the terms not mentioning it, I don't need any additional free bags. If I make plat-pro via some earlier Alaska flights, I would probably have been upgraded free anyway, but more likely I'll only be platinum by this flight. There could always be a last minute equipment swap.

I guess the question is, do I need the 50 percent chance of $242 EQD added, and do I value a bigger seat at the front $242 worth, less $20 for the wine and sandwich? If this was a red-eye, NO QUESTION I would do it. Am I missing a benefit in the current stage of the pandemic to being in biz? Its sad this is even a question I have... I suppose I'll earn an extra couple thousand MQMish towards more stickers... What am I missing, someone help me tilt the scales.