Whether you see it or not there is an incremental value in being GM vs. FO. As a GM if you are flying on a T fare you trump every FO traveling on a B,M,H,Q,K,L,U, or T fare. But if there are only a few DMs that get the coveted gate UGs then your perception might be that GM isn't getting you anything more than FO (with regard to gate upgrades).

Hope your success rate gets better. A lot has to do with when you fly and, of course, the origin and destination.