I've paid for domestic first a few times on routes where I knew the upgrade would be rough otherwise, or when I needed the bonus fare-based points to hit a stat

I've paid for domestic first a few times on routes where I knew the upgrade would be rough otherwise, or when I needed the bonus fare-based points to hit a status goal. Also, on the big three carriers (America, Delta and United), upgrades get processed multiple days out depending on your level of status. Currently as Executive Platinum on AA, I can be upgraded as early as four days out from the flight. I'm actually waiting for the email right now to see if my upgrades will clear for a couple segments later this week.