In case anyone is curious... the appeal completed, although they did not call me to confirm, nor did they ticket me. I had to call back to ask, and the person I spoke to said the appeal was done, and he was able to book me into business class, but not the first class seat which had become available previously.
At least he made no effort to charge me again, and on the website it shows Confirmed and let me pick a seat. And luckily the first row (of business) window seat I wanted is still available. I'll just have to hope that first opens up. Again.