Donīt shoot the messenger, but the information you got is correct: 50.000 miles for Y/C upgrade on the intercontinental flight segment. One Way upgrade from Germany to Europe is available for 10.000 Miles.
I personally agree with you (but on this board, there is not a consent on that topic), that upgrade awards are very expansive in M&M. For example: C-Class award ticket to/from Europe/Asia: 135.000 miles. Upgrade to C-Class: 100.000 miles (both way). As peter42 added earlier, one Way upgrades used to be half the point difference between an Y and a C award.
[This message has been edited by Patron (edited 05-29-2002).]