I've had a different experience. DL has never upgraded me international as a DL elite or elite+. AF and AZ both have based not on my AZ status but on my DL status (these have all happened on flights where I was crediting my DL account). AF two or three times, AZ twice (once when I was a mere Silver on DL).

OTOH, last time I flew AZ I couldn't even get an exit row or bulkhead; those had all been given away, mostly to non-elites when they checked in at earlier airports on their trips. (e.g. someone flying ATH-MXP-ORD got the MXP-ORD exit assigned at ATH after explaining his claustrophobia and fear of flying to the GA). I was quite disappointed on that flight, stuck in the next to last row near the lavs. I've seen AZ give an exit row to an 80 year old who walked (very slowly) with a cane and had a poor sense of balance. They don't seem to recognize that the people in the exit row need to be able to respond in an emergency.

btw, MilesAMillion, welcome to the AZ forum! (I'd welcome you to FT, but I see you've been a member for a couple years, but only 3 posts). With all your AZ and Italy experience, I hope you become a regular here!