That may be the rule but not necessarily the practice at the gate.

In my case, I didn't think that person was a deadheading captain. The reply from customer relation to my subsequent "complaint" was simply that AC employees in certain stituations might have priority over a confirmed upgrade. It appeared to me that it's more than just deadheading captain were entitled to this privilege and GA had discretion on who to be upgraded first and last.

No, I did not receive any compensation, not even in miles.