I suspect, except for thesilb's experience during the holidays, that the treatment difference depending upon the time of year you go.

I went to Maui in Nov, a traditionally slow time of year, and was upgraded to RC oceanfront.

Others have gone during the summer or holiday times and don't get upgraded.

This doesn't surprise me at all if you consider that everyone & their aunt & uncle want to go to Maui - and some are actually willing to pay for those ocean front rooms.