i am just a lowly lifetime plt. but I have to tell you I almost always get my upgrades. In addition I have been able to get all my plan ahead awards. In fact I got 3 first class award ticket to nrt over easter. I am currently waiting for award availabilty from ord as my current tickets are iad to lax to nrt. I hope to hear from expert flyer when that opens up. From my perspective the "lowly platnium" receives a tremedous amount of benefits. I gues if I was Ex. plat. I would be a little more jaded. Thank you AA for my Lifetime Platnium status!