I had a similiar (and disimilar) experience this weekend. I had asked 4 times prior to my date of departure NOT to be upgraded. Each Customer Service representative told me it could be done but each had a different answer (1 said remove OP#, 2 said add a remark and the other said there is a "switch" in the system)). I got to the airport to check in at the kiosk and I had been upgraded. Shocking.

I went to the PC and luckily was able to get a companion upgrade (EWR to IAH at 6pm on Thanksgiving eve - miracles do happen...).

I'd like to simply not get upgraded unless I can get a companion upgrade at the airport (we're not married yet, we still like to sit together). Now I read on this post that it can't be done unless they remove your OP number...

What gives?

BTW - I considered flying UA next year for mileage consolidation reasons, etc. Looked at their program. Each person here should thanks their lucky stars they have CO's upgrade policy (IMHO)...Life's not that bad.