There certainly are a few agents with attitude at DCA. I too have checked at the PC and told you will get the upgrade - based on place on the list and available seats. Even the nice folks at the PC calling down have failed to get the agents to clear the upgrade - this is even for a morning flight already past its departure time and boarding and there are no connecting passengers arriving for these flights.

While the upgrades were cleared (late) - this just delays boarding and affects an already late on time departure.