Had a similar experience once albeit a short hop from Hong Kong to Manila. I dunno how it happened I got upgraded at the city checkin, got lounge access and a shuttle voucher. I arrived at the gate when almost everybody had boarded and when I got to the cabin (77A), the ISM asked for my BP and told me to just pick any seat since it was all mine for the next 2 hours. (it was also a few days short of my birthday so I do not know if it was a factor also)

It was great, the F cabin had our Thai ISM, Korean SP and a Filipina FP, got pampered, offered to sample both meals and had a nice chat with them at the galley as well.

Anyway I'm so excited for my trip to Shanghai in March since I'm finally gonna have a crack at those 77D business class seats! two sectors would be on 77D, 1 on 77A and another is 74A (hope they would have fixed the problems by then) And I hope there are no last minute changes on the aircraft *fingers crossed

**I know that there is a big possibility of an aircraft change considering it about 2 months away...but please don't be a party popper.**