Wow I didn't mean to offend you!

For me though, I have had more buddy passes have to buy a same-day ticket since they couldn't get out, so in my case it was not worth it at all. Congrats, it looks like it's worked out for you nicely!

I just rarely see buddy pass upgrades, either on flights I work or flights I non-rev on... and I fly on shoulder season! When I do see them, it's for someone hired in 60's-80's. When you have less than 5 years versus 20+, that can make a huge difference for buddies, so that might be why others have better experience than me. Sometimes it's just easier to buy them (domestically)