I kinda agree with you - when I first became an STH I refused to pay for an upgrade before finding out where I'd go. Then a couple of years ago, I bit the bullet and called after the upgrades were done (and even though I had said no upgrades) asked if there were any seats left and upgraded. That way, at least I knew where I'd end up and moved to the LL. Now, I'm back to the mercy of the upgrade system, but at least I am in the LL - just hoping to move towards midfield.