1st Class Seat Upgrades

Recently we had a situation with only one seat left in First and we were #1 and #2 on the upgrade list HNL to LAX. GA called us by name and explained the situation stating there was only one seat and would we just agree to give it up to the person waiting for it now. Boy was everyone shocked and surprised (and a bit angry) that I told my husband to "go ahead take the seat, you earned it". I was fine in my very nice Comfort+ aisle seat. I can live without sitting next to my husband for 5 whole hours. They must have all but promised the person asking for it based on the reactions and scrambling to make changes on their end while we stood there. Guessing #3 saw matching names for #1 & #2 and pressed the GA to let them jump ahead. Sorry not Sorry.
The seatmate I ended up with was quiet and no issues. Only observation was she took HANDFULS of the premium snacks each time they were offered and then delivered them to the rest of the family at the back of the plane.

I guess the moral of the story is "talk to the GA" if you're on the bubble. On our end I think we could have easily lost our upgrade, thankfully they asked, and on the other end a person might have gotten one by asking.