Thanks everyone for your comments.

I have found a ticket that is eligible for an upgrade. United told me that just because I'm eligible, it doesn't mean I will actually get it. CYB, right?

Malgudi calls SWU a lottery. But I thought if there was space, they would give it to me. Is that incorrect? I'm paying several hundred dollars more for these tickets and have shifted my travel dates.

Question - Is this a mistake? Should I just purchase cheap tix on my best travel dates and take my regular E+ seats? Sorry for the basic questions, this is my first flight with an SWU.

Thanks.