EXP here, never really getting cleared anymore for F domestically. DFW-LGA was F5, A4 last night, bought my ticket 8+ weeks ago when plane was maybe 15-20% full. This morning, down to F2, A1.

Watching MCE also to see if elites are getting upgraded, and seats haven't popped open either (i know not a fool proof way to tell, but definitely an indicator).

I think AA is definitely taking A availability and selling it at check in to non elites without regard for how many are in line for an upgrade. My frustration with that is...not so much that I'm not getting that "free" upgrade, but that the paid $70-$150 bump isn't being offered to me, which I would gladly pay in some situations.

Then again, a lot of assuming on my part going on here, but I wouldn't be doing so if this was just a one off, happening on most of my domestic legs this year.

As stated many times here, it's probably time to just start buying F, when you need it, up front, with whoever is cheapest/most convenient (whichever is a priority).