Actually the answer to #1 is to credit to OnePass. The miles will post into the OnePass program and can be redeemed following the OnePass rules, which include all *A partners. The OP cannot get credit on UA, but that's much different than saying it is impossible to get credit in *A.

For #2, you can try to have CO match the DL status and hope to get the upgrade as a silver or you can redeem OnePass miles for the upgrade.