Originally Posted by Mwenenzi

The chances of a comped upgrade on long haul are very low ~ nil.
USA and non USA airlines operate a lot different when it it comes to upgrades. Non USA airlines will/do fly with unoccupied business-first seats.
Anyway nowadays are fewer airlines with aircraft/routes with international first class.
As a newbie to a ffp will be others with long term top status that will be way ahead of you on the pecking order.