Well, since you guys resurrected this thread . . .
Being fed up with the high Delta fare ATL-SEA, I flew AS for the first time in years this week. I booked it through AS a couple of weeks ago, but in my profile I listed my DL SM number. It gave me an AS PNR, but also recognized my status and allowed me to book the preferred seats. Then on Monday when I checked in for the Tuesday departure, I found out I was upgraded. Flight was great, service wonderful. Tuesday I checked in for the Wednesday return, found out I was upgraded again, and on the flight yesterday the service was spectacular. The FA memorized everyone's first name and gave the best service I've gotten in 10 yeas. Almost like going back to the golden age of flying. So it was much more than simply getting an AS PNR, I was really a convert.