Well, if it's awkward, that's life.
In Feb, I boarded a redeye SEA-IAH with my family. We were #2-5 on the upgrade list (2 RPUs and 2 CPUs). After we boarded, one of the RPUs cleared, and my wife was sent up to F. I assumed that #1 was a no-show. Just before the door closed, they sent my wife back to E+ and the #1 guy was taken up front. They obviously corrected a mistake.
My wife and I didn't think it was a big deal, but the passenger next to her in F said that it was bad form to downgrade her.
Airline employees wear uniforms if they are nonrevs, even if they are not traveling for business.
very infrequent. especially on a 15 hour flight. I'd say these people in E+ were all deadheading back to the states and had those seats already pre-assigned.