I've had better results with upgrades (and general recognition) at Four Seasons properties by going through a FSPP agent. I've used DavidO's company - they have a 'quick book' system that allows for minimal interaction to get the booking. At the Lanai property, this has paid off in noticeable ways - good upgrade, and also getting a last-minute restaurant booking at the time we wanted.

One problem I've had with FHR and Four Seasons is that every visit looked like my first one, as my email address was never sent with the booking. With FSPP, they can see my history (it's not a lot, but it's not nothing)