My recent experience has been garbage as well -

Checkin in on DL flights in MSP and ORD last week I was advised that I would have not upgrade potential (open seats available in F) and that I would have to pay for my bags ($60 for two bags) - as always I was curtious with the gate agent thinking this would get me favors, it didn't.

In both cases I was advised by the agents that no agreements are imminent and that it could still be months but that they are, in fact, "working on it".