I have an interesting BE upgrade story that might be relavent. Was travelling on a BE fare with a party of 5. Landing at connecting airport, I noticed 9 open F seats and 8 people on upgrade list. Was able to go to customer service at airport about 90 mins before the flight and get myself and a companion separated into our own PNR so I could be added to the upgrade list.

Was a bit glitchy when the gate started processing upgrades as Customer service wasn't sure how to get my companion on the upgrade list as well but it eventually got sorted out at the gate, and both of us enjoyed our F seat on the last leg.