I did ARN-ORD-SJC last week, but unfortunately they upgraded me to seat 3A, so I cannot comment on any changes yet

I'm going back tomorrow (SFO-ORD-ARN) - I'll see what happens then. Regarding transatlantic trips, I have a perfect track record of upgrades there. Not a single time have i had to sit in the "normal" economy cabin. Upgrades to Economy Extra (once) and C all the time. The people at SK are really good at taking care of its members in this respect, and for me a very good reason to fly with them.