DAW, it was several years ago under the old regime. I'm aware things are much better, ut by that time I was seriously invested in USAirways' dividend miles, where I am chairman's pref (100k annually). upgrading is much better. very few restrictions on available seating versus CO, which is highly restrictive, forcing people to the gate, where it is much more difficult. while being able to phone in requests sounds like a vast improvement (on US we have 7 days advance as compared to 3 on CO), it is meaningless if they hold out the seats....which they do.