A COPAY FOR DOMESTIC MILES UPGRADES IS RIDICULOUS!!!!
As far as the co-pay for international upgrades, I agree.. However, it sure has solved a lot of problems for me. There are more seats to upgrade. I don't sit next to the traveler who paid $248 rt from LAX-LHR used their entire bank of miles to get upgraded to business class and then sits there the entire time with a sense of entitlement.
And, if someone really wants to upgrade then the additional money is worth it. It has sifted out the travelers who get it for free verses those who really value the cabin and will pay for it.
It's a mixed bag.
I didn't and don't like the co-pay for the upgrades but I'm happy that they did it.