I'm with FTraveler. I pay for business going to Asia and South America but NEVER pay to Europe. The cost is out of line so I upgrade. Even if it means an extra connection and economy intra-europe. In fact my coach ticket to Europe sometimes costs more than my C/J does to Asia.

Another thing to consider is that both Delta and AF cost significantly more to fly in J than some of the other carriers do for business class over the Atlantic.

I still fly Delta to Japan, sometimes to Asia connecting through Tokyo but you know, if I pay C/J on the other carriers many let me confirm F for free, and all of them let me standby for it.

Maybe I'm old fashioned but I expect upgrades when the seats aren't sold for giving someone a good part of my 40+ overseas legs a year.