Frequent flier upgrade

So, I want to visit my family, I've still got a voucher from Virgin America for a flight we never took, along with a boatload of AA miles. So, I figure I'll use the voucher to get to SFO, then see if I can get a cheapo one-way red-eye on American back to NYC and upgrade it to business. I make the reservation on AA.com and call about an upgrade. Apparently there are no upgrades available until mid-November (when I'll be in Germany) because they are all taken. Just out of curiosity I look at the seating chart for the flight in question, and here's what it looks like:

Are miles even worth anything anymore?