I was flying AA CLT-DFW after Thanksgiving, and at the gate was chatting with a very frustrated US CP heading to DFW and then connecting internationally, who had been unable to upgrade any of his legs. I'd cleared as an AA GLD at the 24 hour mark. He'd been unable to get upgraded in advance, and unable to get on the list. I mentioned to him that a couple of hours before the flight, the seat map was still showing a few open F seats. He went to talk to the GA, who told him he could upgrade but he'd have to buy 2 stickers, even as CP.

The flight went out with open F seats and him in the back.