Upgrades
Have never asked for one. Apart from being bad manners (yeah, old-fashioned but proud of it!) I reckon it is a guaranteed way to ensure that you won't get it.
Nevertheless have been upgraded several times on BA & CX, once on MY & once on Swiss. Always LH, busi to first; always very nice! Mostly at check-in but once or twice at the gate.
I reckon the more pleasant you are to the guys & gals at check-in the more likely you are to get one if it's available.