If I am unable to upgrade cheap tickets to Asia anymore, then my whole strategy changes with buying tickets. There is no advantage to buying 9-11 months in advance anymore. I plan to wait until 30-45 days before departure and get a consolidator ticket. These tickets are usually $100-150 cheaper than the lowest fare you can buy direct from NW. They aren't upgradeable, but I'll suffer in coach and save $ and rack up the miles. After two paid trips I will earn one free trip in biz class.