Upgraded 100% so far this year
I keep hearing about free upgrades. I have upgraded 100% of the time of UA with SWUs,CR1s, etc. There are times that I am care less so I haven't requested and I am always in E+. If I want a drink, I have the free coupons. As UAX introduces E+, that is one more reason to stick with UA.
Recently was in first in US and found the quality lacking. The leather seats have pen markings on it and it was obvious that they had been there for a while. The meal wasn't bad but not innovative or even interesting.
Unless you are at the top tier, most of the free upgrade options don't happen on thed other airlines.