Yes, I am in the travel industry... but on the hotel side. I use the same agency (and always AA) for all my travel and the upgrades are perk of being loyal to both.
I earn upgrades as a Platinum level traveler but they go quick. The agency gives me handfuls of certifs which can be used on most domestic flights and the combination allows me to upgrade 99% of the time.
:)

Mote: red-eye means overnight flight that deprives you of normal night's sleep, therefore eyes look red when you arrive.

Mote:
I feel for you! My little trip won't be as long as yours, only 6.5 hours, start to finish. However, back in my early twenties, I traveled from Anchorage,Alaska to Johannesburg S.A.- now that trip was more like the one you are doing. We did have a 12 hour layover in London, but still, we were zombies during part of the journey! Hope your trip goes well:) I've decided that warm feet and a soft blanket from home will make the flying easier for me, and perhaps some good wine!