On my recent CLE-JFK-LHR and AMS-BOS-CLE trip, I got upgraded to F on the CLE-JFK at the 5 day window, saving the $750+ the Big D wanted for me to upgrade on that flight. I weas able to upgrade to PS on the JFK-LHR for 30,000 SMs at the time of booking. On the return, I got UG'd to C+ at the time of booking, and got lucky in a window seat with no one sitting next to me. I got UG'd for the BOS-CLE to F at the 5 day window.
Mrs. ND76, a MM/FO with an Amex Reserve Card, was also traveling, CLE-ATL-FCO-JFK-CLE. She was in a long list for C+ and missed out on the TATL legs, but got UG'd to F on the JFK-CLE at the gate.