I guess there are two points of view on this thing...

If you are in the top UG list slots then you want the list to determine who gets the UG. You want to board and let the system pick you up and move you up from Y. Noble, efficient, transparent.

If you are a Kettle with Status (KM) then you hang arund to the bitter end and see if you score one on the Elites. Not efficient, unfair for those that boarded, lack of transparency.

IMHO, it is totally unecessary for Delta to encourage a system that lets KMs beat DMs/PMs/GMs/FOs as listed on the UG list.

Good luck to the KM Gamblers! The feeling of scoring the UG ahead of the top people in the list must be awesome.^ There is not a lot to lose, I mean you could wait and gate check the bag. Small price to pay if the gamble does not work.