Living in Phx, I fly HP almost all of the time. Hence, I am only a lurker here in the AA with just one or two AA flights per year.

Still, I just have to add my two cents to agree with Tango on the appearance issue. I am platinum on America West and find it mucho easier to get the comped upgrades when dressed decently (slacks and polo) as opposed to sweats and a T-shirt.

One Sunday AM while flying to LA for an exceptionally informal meeting, an FA even mildly chastised me for wearing sweats (he did so in a pleasant manner). I asked him if dressing decently made a difference on the "on the spot" upgrades and he said "most definitely". Different airline, of course. But, still....I agree with Tango on this issue.