the usual business class is generally held for status flyers (exp, plat, gold).... and had you requested an upgrade to first (which as an EXP costs no stickers - free) - you would have been in the front of the bus if seats were available. My experience is the ticket machines at the airports often 'better' as seat if available.

Is there a reason you didn't request an upgrade on a domestic flight? As an EXP it's easy and most have had a very good experience with getting the upgrades.