No, but what it does mean is that they don't have to. As I said, for me personally, I prefer not to take the chance. By the same token, I prefer not to have to ask if the upgrade is not automatically given... especially if they're not required to honor it. You have to play "dumb" and pretend that you aren't aware that you're not entitled to the upgrade, etc. To me it's not worth it, and frankly I don't think it's fair that upgrades are granted to those who don't follow the rules, or think it should apply to them. I'm sure there are many who successfully argue their point and get the upgrade, but personally I would just rather pay the extra 50 bux and book through Hilton.