Originally Posted by
uppereastsider
This is completely anecdotal, but as a NYC based platinum, I've had around a ~75% upgrade rate and often was the last person to clear. Have no idea if my reserve was ever the tie breaker, but I've had enough to think that at least a few of them were.
I have the Reserve card and have had it for years and spend the needed 25k for another of the tie-breakers. I know it really helps me and I only missed a few upgrades all of last year and doubt I will miss* more than 2 or 3 all year this year either.
*Note: I never fly out of ATL on a Monday morning - EVER!