Update:

Success! I managed to get upgraded. I found out my e-tickets had not been issued, it was only reserved because I only paid yesterday.
Got the e-tickets and then I was able to upgrade all 3 non-E+ UA flights.

I even got the fabled 21J and 21H on the 777 - I hope they're as good as rumor is

Thanks to all for the kind help, it's a pleasure that there is always someone willing to help!

Paid $354 for 3 x 2 upgrades to E+ (SFO-HNL, HNL-SFO and SFO-IAD) which I find a very reasonable price. Now just to see if I can get upgraded to Economy Extra on the SAS flights