I am not so sure that things are not changing .... and in a bad way.

I was flying IAD-ATL last Saturday PM. Was #3 for 3 for upgrade for most of the day on the website and on the app. GA called me up at T-30 and said that she might not give me the last available upgrade because another passenger was on their way over from a flight that just landed and she might give him the upgrade.

After I pushed back, the GA went as far as checking the medallion status (D for both), fare class (same for both), and then stated she was giving the other passenger the upgrade because "he paid more for his ticket."

At that stage, I informed the GA in no uncertain terms that I would escalate things if I did not get the upgrade. Reluctantly, she gave it to me.