I sort of agree. They're much harder to use than they should be.

Redeeming something called a "global upgrade certificate" shouldn't be all that difficult. From what people say, they're easier now than they were before, but they're not quite like they should be. If you've been issued a certificate, and it's being applied for a flight for you, on your account, there should be no uncertainty about it. There shouldn't be a "Oh, they just forgot to re-ticket it" on the day of your flight that qualifies you for "extra security".