I have missed once this year,when travelling with Mrs.acysb87.She holds no status,currently.
I had booked a YSB/YYZ/ORD flight on May 2nd for travel on 12th.Upgrade on e-certs was instant.
I also booked a YVR/YYZ/YSB for May16th on May 2nd.E-upgrade did not clear,I was waitlisted.Upgrade confirmation came within 24 hours.
In both cases I used a Latitude flight pass.

I am quite pleased with the system . I am a North American traveller for the most part and IMHO this system is perfect for me.