Johnpace, I agree with you wholeheartedly! I always use my miles with 'an upgradable' fare, and have been 100% successful.
2/01 EWR-LGW $484
3/01 EWR-ZRH $606
5/01 EWR-FCO $1007 (not within the '30 day' window yet, but Z seating looks good). Also, I didn't mind the high fare, as I was using a 1,000 credit from NW --good on CO, where I would forfit any unused portion)