I was on a lightly loaded America West flight last year OAK to PHX.
Late in the boarding process, a young man takes the aisle seat next to my window and strikes up a conversation. He finally asked if I had purchased a First Class seat or paid the upgrade fee. I admitted that I was an upgrade, but Elite, not paid upgrade. He admitted to being an employee pass-rider; worked Reservations in Tempe.

On learning that I was a Platinum, he said he liked working with the Platinums because they knew what they were doing and how the system worked. When a Plat calls in for an upgrade and told none were available, they knew more seats may be opened up in inventory at a later date and would accept this. But the Silvers on the other hand (quote) get that new Silver card in their hands, think we owe them the world, and demand that they get upgraded (end quote).

I've heard comments along those same lines from more then one person.

Steve