I love being told that complimentary upgrades are only available if they "feel" like giving them, despite R being available at the clearance windows (and after). I guess that's sort of going to be my new mantra; United will get my business only if I "feel" like giving it to them.

My ticket was also out of synch because it had other carriers on it, and I was told that it would not affect upgrade clearance, which sounds like it's incorrect.

The good news is that I was being offered appropriately priced buy-ups prior to OLCI...will see what happens when I go to check in a bit later.