I realize that CS isn't IT support - I happened to be on the phone with her, so asked the question.

Regardless, here is the rest of the story:

Flew final leg and spent some time in the USClub before picking up luggage. When arrived in baggage claim, there was a paper taped to my luggage (printed, obviously from the US baggage office) that listed all my flights, then stated "Passenger has declined upgrade for all segments" . ( sheet also included a bunch of acronyms that meant nothing to me...........)

So it appears that the original agent who granted my request mis-understood, and thought I was declining upgrades on all the itin flights.

Let's hope it isn't a part of my permanent record.............