So I can't get both. If I Choose to get the first available coach seat on the early flight because I Really want the earlier flight, I can ONLY get upgraded if I am repeatedly pushy and there happens to be a First seat available and I don't board early and I tough it out waiting at the gate, and hope the agent doesn't get irritated with me, and wait to be the last passenger to board, and then not have any overhead space in economy if I don't get upgraded? Or PAY for a confirmed standby.
Yep. Them's the breaks. I waited in ORD once for several hours and couldn't fly earlier because I wasn't willing to pay $75
or sit in coach. Lounge was good though.