While a VVIP/insider bump is possible, the two assigned Business seats stayed completely empty the whole flight (crew confirmed post-disembarkation). If someone more important needed them, they'd have been filled — so it seems more like gate coordination mishandling than favoritism.
MH's explanation was just discretionary upgrade revoked due to ops/system delay and sufficient economy seats — no mention of any specific bump.

I considered further escalation (media, etc.), but with the points accepted as full/final, I'm moving on by shifting future Australia/North America flights to Singapore Airlines/Star Alliance for better elite consistency.

Thanks again for the support!