Not a PM (and never claimed to be one) I am about to hit gold however for next year. I know I am probably going to get flamed for saying this, but I would never even consider buying a full price or "up front" ticket on my client's tab. I always book cheap coach and pray for upgrades. My upgrade hit rate (on flights which can be upgraded, which is an incredibly small % of my flights) was really good til the last 3 weeks. Not sure if it is time of year, the way the airline is booking/filling flights or what, but am not clearning like I was. Hoping when I turn gold this will get better (although I think after this month I am mostly back to short regional hops again and not my west coasters)