As a datapoint, I tried to "change my flight" to first class, mainly to get over an MQD hump. After paying $575 for two, there was no change at all in the ticket. Then cue going around the block numerous times with customer service, they said "sorry, but let's not put the ticket back to where it was before because it's Xmas. Just fly the itinerary in C+ and call us after to refund the $575." I called and set up the refund, and received some miles for my trouble.

The refund desk has denied the refund three times already because I received a complimentary upgrade to first and they say "you got what you wanted, so no refund." I am sure any rational person would see that getting a complimentary upgrade just before the flight is not the same as paying many days in advance for an upgrade, and numerous agents have agreed, and so far no joy with the refund desk. Of course, I did not get the MQDs for paying for first, which did not matter in the end. However, I am not giving up.

daloosh