Up Your Chances For Upgrade

It has been made apparent to me lately that there are more ways than one to get a first class upgrade with your Frequent Flyer status and I'm here to exploit them.  In all my travels, I am constantly seeking a free upgrade to first class, and I'll be the first to admit that its not easy by any stretch of the imagination.  Here are a few ways that I have found to increase your odds against the airlines.
Rule 1:  Become a Frequent Flyer.  Simply put, you need to earn your place before you can waltz into a first class ticket.  Status is everything, and will allow you to even negotiate a coveted seat on other airlines that want your business.  With this status comes the greatest chance of being upgraded to first, but there are other ways to increase your odds without it.  Also, you may find that playing multiple angles will help you along even further.
Rule 2:  Check in online!  This will up your odds greatly.  A little known step in finding that super-seat is simply getting it before that guy in the suit can lock it down at the gate!  Just be a little more cunning than the would-be Frequent Flyer, and you are on your way to being pampered.
Rule 3:  Buy a FULL FARE ticket.  Upgrades will be given to status first, when available.  After that, the full fare ticket holders are among the top of the list which is now determined by fare price.  If you bought a cheap seat, just sit in it, because it was what you were sold.  Otherwise, for all of you business travelers out there, buy the full fare and collect reward points on the company AMEX.  Its a win-win.
Rule 4:  It helps to look the part.  Flying First Class is an elitist thing to do, and I don't see many scrubs sipping wine and eating hors d'oeuvres.  That said, I suggest a decent wardrobe decision, and a certain amount of schmoozing with the gate agent for the available seat.  Will it always work?  Certainly not, but if you thought this was a guide to instant upgrades, than regrettably you did not read the title.
Rule 5:  Book with a travel agent.  Your travel agent can slip in some special information while booking the flight that might say that you are the CEO of the business or some sort of VIP.  If a seat is available, don't you think the airline would love to give it to the customer with the most potential money?  After all, charging for bags and now even checked baggage lets me know that's all they really care about.