I just had upgrade shenanigans happen and it was in my favor for a change. Flew out of IAD on Friday and was #3 for 1 seat on the upgrade list. As a 1K on a "G" fare I thought that might be about right. I only booked the flight four days before departure but I didn't see any movement on the list. And my destination was one where a lot of people love to burn points for upgrades. So #1 and #2 could have been GS or 1K on a higher fare or were using PlusPoints. Having resigned myself to sitting in a bulkhead coach seat I stayed at the TK lounge a little longer than normal and didn't make the jaunt over until my watch beeped that boarding had started. So I made my shuffle from the B gates through the A gates to the people mover that goes straight to D11. Some time during my walk I got an email saying I was upgraded. I queue jumped #1 and #2 and I have no idea why.

It's possible that:
1. #1 and #2 were a couple and declined since there was only one seat. Note: very different last names
2. #1 and #2 both declined the upgrade at the gate
3. The gate agent went rogue and processed by status instead of by priority...only if in the case #1 and #2 were not GS or 1K.

Thanks for the upgrade United. My first of the year in 3 flights so as a 1K I'm now 1/3 at 33%.

-RM