Originally Posted by
NotDuncan
If you're so annoyed by it, why do you ever put yourself on an upgrade list, for anything???
The OP didn't (originally) specify the program (and it sounds like multiple programs anyway, perhaps).
Some programs give you automatic upgrades without you requesting them, if you have enough status.
(Note that all the expereicnes the OP related were on either domestic or short-haul Europe. The OP never talked about longhaul upgrades where you may get IFE that's not available to coach, where you may get a flat bed instead of just a slighly reclining seat, etc.)