On an OVERsold flight to Las Vegas this weekend, I was told that I needed to have my Elite card for an upgrade by the 1ST class desk checkin attendent. He couldn't have had more attitude. AmWest was asking for volunteers!
I sat in first row aisle coach and saw 1st was almost empty, then filled with STANDBYS!

On the return flight yesterday, the 1st class desk attendent upgraded without insisting on my Elite card. She also complained about the rude treatment she gets in Phoenix from the AMWest staff, even as an employee! That was NOT surprising, since it seems most of the employees are not happy with their top officiers.