I remember way back when - I actually got an UPGRADE on an AWARD ticket!! Can anybody remember THAT?? Now you're lucky if you even get an upgrade against miles.............!!
Yep, last year on CX - booked Y, used miles to upgrade to J and ended up in 1A. On top of that, because the flight was delayed, they sent me USD100 in vouchers.
I find the Marco Polo Club (CX) OK - handy to jump the queue when the flight is full, never been downgraded and I have not experienced any problems with upgrades using miles. I suppose it is the luck of the draw.