Yeah, I know it does in theory, but if I never see the numbers change from A9 F0, then is there really any use for it?

I know the topic has been addressed, but here is my experience from my w/end EWR-IAH-PSP roundtrip.

First of all, I am a lowly silver, but even as such, this is my first 0/4 success rate on a non-holiday trip.

Second, I checked in at the Penn Station kiosk very early on my way to the airport. When I got to the C-1 Prez Club, I asked the agt about upgrade availability. She played around, said she'd have to split the record, claimed she was not sure if she's allowed to put a Silver on the waitlist, and she's sure she couldn't put my NW Silver companion on the waitlist. What waitlist? Aren't all elites treated in priority order, at least ever since the three-hour rule was initiated? (Same agent also said "Who are these other people?" regarding the four boarding passes I handed her. 2 pax x 2 segments - go figure!)

On the plane (764) see 5 people pulled from the back minutes before take-off - not us. Lots of elite tags and grumbling pax in the front section of economy.

In IAH, arrive at the gate as the flight is boarding - gate agt refuses to even check to see if our upgrades came through. "Nope. There aren't any." First had one vacant seat when we boarded, that passenger boarded soon after.

Return in PSP, the check-in agt -without being prompted- said "Let me see if I can get you two on the waitlist for an upgrade." WHAT WAITLIST? AREN'T ALL ELITES TREATED IN PRIORITY ORDER, AT LEAST EVER SINCE THE THREE-HOUR RULE WAS INITIATED? PSP flight, two pax pulled from the rear just prior to take-off. One loud elite woman in the front row complained to the FA. She very politely informed the passenger that this is handled by computer and ground personnel, and FAs do not get involved - but that didn't stop her from getting a 10 minute speech from the passenger. (No wonder they hate us!)

In IAH, same story - agent refused to check "there are no upgrades" - then three pax pulled from the rear to the front of the 777.

I'm not so upset about not getting the upgrades - I coulda burned the miles, but I gambled and lost. I guess with more infrequent travelers staying home these days, the proportion of elites is higher than it used to be. (I never had a problem upgrading on EWR-IAH in a widebody before.)

What does upset me is the complete lack of transparency in the system, the fact that agents don't seem to know the rules and/or refuse to be helpful. Not to mention the significant inconvenience factor of doing most upgrades on the plane rather than on the ground. Yes, better to get the people onto the plane rather than have them hanging out in the gate area waiting for the word, but geez - if seats are available at the 30 minute mark, who is helped by holding them until the 10 minute mark?

Elite upgrades used to make sense. I just don't get it anymore.