I have been with AA for a long time and achieved lifetime Platinum and have been Executive Platinum year after year. Recently, because of the fact that AA is canceling the SFO-BOS route as well as their upgrade policies, I am frustrated that I am never upgraded as a result. Of course, the priority goes by status first, but if the status is equal, the priority goes to whoever books earlier. I can't do that since my travel plan changes all the time, so although I usually book late and pay a hefty premium, it is frustrating that I never get upgraded although I was so loyal to them.

I have started educating myself with United, but with so many members who have much more personal experiences on this thread, I hope you can clarify something I have.

1. I have read somewhere that United sort by fares paid when two people are of the same status, is that true? I also saw other places where it states that it is sort by purchase date. I just want to get an understanding of this.
2. I have contacted UA and they are willing to comp me to Premier Exec. Is that status any good? I guess I still won't get upgraded until I achieve 1K, right?
3. For flights from SFO or SJC to BOS, does anyone have any recommendations on which flights are good from Mon-Thu as it relates to the types of airplanes as well as the chances of getting upgraded in the future?

Thank you very much in advance for your help!