I've seen this over & over - really sad that this is what someone is willing to blow up over. Saw an EXP at LGW start pulling elite FF cards out of his wallet at the counter (because they wouldn't let him upgrade on a certificate that stated he couldn't upgrade on a web-fare) and threatened to pull "all of his business" from AA.

If the EXP had listed himself early enough, maybe he would have cleared the upgrade list 100 hours out at his window.....if he got to the airport early, maybe he would have cleared the list......maybe if he had purchased an F ticket - oh wait, then he wouldn't have a shot at a hissy fit!