This problem could be virtually eliminated if Starwood would copy the 1-800-CheckIn thing that Hyatt does. They don't even need to do it for everyone, just for PLATs.
If you could call ahead of arrival and arrange room assignemnt with the concierge the problems with hotels failing to upgrade would virtually disappear.
And as far as enhancements go, this has got to be one of the cheaper things they could do.