Somewhat related question.

My understanding is that once you board, your name is taken off the upgrade list.

I was departing ATL a few days back and was number 3 on the upgrade list. The board showed all of the FC seats assigned and checked in, but I figured I would wait around since there was a possibility of someone missing a connection, etc. since I didn't have any carry on luggage.

The 2 people ahead of me on the upgrade list boarded so I was then #1. I waited by the gate and once they were making final calls, I asked if the FC cabin was full on board. The GA told me he "didn't know what I was waiting for" since there were 2 people ahead of me on the list. I casually mentioned that it looked I was #1 since they had both boarded.

He responded that it didn't work like that and that he was going to go move someone up front in a minute. I didn't want to make a scene so I went ahead and boarded into coach, and sure enough, he never did move anyone up and FC left with 1 seat open.

Is this SOP? I have no problem if a GA wants to move a Platinum up who really was ahead of me on the list, but as far as I am concerned, leaving with 1 FC seat open when there was a whole list of upgrades is not right.

Who is in the right here?