Please indicate the paragraph in CO's terms of service where I am required to turn my upgrade over to the next person on the list should I elect not to use it. Because if it's not defined anywhere, it's technically nothing more than a new seat assignment with slightly better food and free booze.

An upgrade is a gift from CO, to reward me for my loyalty. I flew the miles, paid the fare, checked in at the best time, etc. I didn't have to be polite to get it, and its receipt did not require me to be inconvenienced more than usual with modern travel. The guy behind me on the list obviously wasn't as loyal as I was, or he would've gotten the upgrade (to do with as he saw fit, of course).

There are plenty of arguments over in TravelBuzz concerning seat swaps, and the general consensus seems to be that you shouldn't request a swap unless you've got something better to offer. An upgrade would certainly be an ace in the hole in such a situation, eh?