MilesBuzz! - no upgrades for elite flyer - does special meal request have anything to do with it?

I started the following thread on the CX board, and the discussion now focuses on whether special meals discourage op upgrades. Here's the link for those of you with past experience or insight:

http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/showthread.php?t=375064&goto=newpost

Several years ago we were flying internationally on aa and I had a special meal ordered. They were oversold, and offerred to put us in business class until they saw that I had a special meal ordered. They backed down and said that they couldn't do it - even when I offered to eat my special meal in Business class. As soon as we arrived in Brussels I canceled our resquest for special meals for the return - and sure enough we were opted for business. I have never ordered a special meal since. It just isn't worth it. If I need special food, I bring it along.

Several years ago we were flying internationally on aa and I had a special meal ordered. They were oversold, and offerred to put us in business class until they saw that I had a special meal ordered. They backed down and said that they couldn't do it - even when I offered to eat my special meal in Business class. As soon as we arrived in Brussels I canceled our resquest for special meals for the return - and sure enough we were opted for business. I have never ordered a special meal since. It just isn't worth it. If I need special food, I bring it along.

I've been upgraded on AA many times with a special mean request. On the flight they will tell you that they have your special meal from coach and if you want it, they will just serve you the main hot dish as your entree. I normal refuse it, as there is usually a much better vegetarian choice on the menu.

I'm not taking any chances. Perhaps it matters how oversold they are - if it is a requested upgrade - there are empty seats and enough meals to cover them, or an operational upgrade. This happened a few years ago - I think spring break 2001.