I misconnected in ORD just two days ago. Was upgraded and they closed the door 7 minutes before departure time (I got to the gate at 6 minutes to). The agent dumped me and another person out of first but those seats flew empty with 8 on the upgrade list. Not only was I annoyed they didn't hold the flight, the lazy GA didn't bother upgrading the next two people. No excuse for that, especially when the flight is departing EARLY.
-RM