Isn't that one of the big differences between US airlines progams and the rest-of-the-world airlines programs? That US carriers upgrade status holders just to fill up their premium cabins, whereas the rest-of-the-world carriers only move passengers upwards for operational reasons. I think many US flyers get a bit miffed outside the US when they are not upgraded and there are no upgrade wait-lists to clear.
The eternal debate: lounge access or complimentary upgrades...