Get this...

I found a way to query by fare codes on the US site by searching by price, not schedule. Fair enough. I find a way to choose a B fare, then call US again. This time an agent tells me "it's 20K miles each way to ugrade and W fares are upgradeable" ...??

I tell the barely understandable agent to please check if this is correct as from what I've heard and read says otherwise. He comes back a few minutes later "yes, you are correct. However, if I pull up the first upgradeable fare there are no seats available for upgrade".

I hang up.

I call back HP Plat desk again expressing further frustration. He has no answer for me until he pulls up the itinerary that I want and can at time of booking use 10K miles each way to confirm upgrades on all routes, expect the return clt-phx leg b/c it's a code share operated US flight. The fare is $933. I then tell him I wouldn't be too concerned about that since I'm a Chairman anyhow and my 7 day upgrade window would probably capture that. "That is correct sir".

I'm either having a really bad day, can't book tickets, or this combined airline really blows.