Originally posted by worldbanker:
Wow, with all of the confusion about upgrades and not being able to accrue miles- I am second doubting if I would want to volunteer on USAir. Has this been policy or is this part of the "United effect".
Of course I have only been offered a voucher once and it was on American. Had the opportunity to "buy" a few tickets, earn miles and upgrades. Thought other programs were equally fair. 
1) You do not earn miles on RTFCs or award tickets. If you do so, it was due to an error on behalf of the person at the airport.
2) RTFCs are NOT upgradeable. I have tried this before and have been rebuffed. In fact, on one attempt, a note was placed in my PNR explicitly stating that I should not be upgraded.