Hi, I had a strange experience today. Checked in early for EK 953 to BEY. Was told it is pretty full.
"Volunteered" at the lounge for upgrade. Was told that 6 people had to be upgraded, she checked there were no plats expected, but 10+ golds.
She put in request for me, and told me it is enough to check at the gate.

At gate guy said no, other were preferred, there were plats upgraded.
These stories do not match up. My guess is someone somewhere had wasta, considering that the flight is full of Lebanese, it could be true...