Back when I was Platinum, I requested an upgrade on SFO-PHX.

Number 2 on the list for 2 seats.

They didn't upgrade anyone due to weight and balance. Never heard of that on a 320, but fine.

While the door was still open, the captain made an announcement that he needed everyone in their assigned seats for takeoff, but you were free to move after. I asked a FA if they could do the upgrades once we were airborne. She went to talk to the captain and GA.

New announcement: "Actually, we're going to need you in your assigned seats for the duration of the flight."

They gave me the first class snack basket and free drinks, so it wasn't horrible. But that was my first and last year with status on AA. It's one thing to be 10th for 1 seat. It's quite another to skip over upgrades for dubious reasons (the guy beside me in the bulkhead had his seat assigned at the gate, so I really don't buy the W&B explanation - if there was too much weight at the front to move me up 4 rows, they'd give out rear seats at the gate, not front-row seats).