Little spark of frustration here; booking a domestic F class ticket ~48 hours before departure and only finding a 1A seat available, and I don't like the bulkhead in F. I assume at least some of these seats are pre-cleared upgrades.

Why is the 5/3/1 day in advance upgrade actually (still) in effect? Isn't it more fair if the battle gets fought at the gate so last minute high yield buyers can still walk up and buy?

Should I care about the claimed "benefit" to clear x days in advance?
It only happens inconsistently anyways.