Kudos to the poster who suggested advance meal reservations for those who book into F (or C) in advance, whether using miles or paid tickets -- that idea is long overdue! This way, only those who upgrade at the gate or purchase at the last minute would not have an advance reservation, and would have to divide up the remaining, non-selected meals.

After all, wedding invitations commonly come with an RSVP form that asks for one's choice of meat or salmon (or whatever) at the wedding reception and/or rehearsal dinner. Caterers like this, as it maximizes personal choice while minimizing waste and leftovers. So why not the airlines?