SYD, your mates obviously don't work for CX/KA who charge for upgrades a la QF, the difference is ( I think ) we get the extra dosh back if we have to travel in cattle, we also get 4 free tickets a year ( pay the taxes ).
However, the QF staff travel website is far better than what we have and far easier to book tickets on your own airline.
When we look at the loadings we get stupid colour codes, red, yellow or green and don't really know how many seats are left ( CX guys can get into res system tho )
Cheers