This round, upgraded was very much worth it IMO.
If you're on your own/in a small alliance, scans are absolutely vital, and without upgrading you don't get all of them. Also, you get faster eta to hit people before they can get def, you get the bigger warships, you're able to grow bigger and mine more roids etc
If the benefits are similar next round, then it'll be worth it, I know I'll be doing it