Sitting in FRA in the LH FC lounge, all has gone well today. LHR-FRA-BLR, on a UA ticket with an SWU application and an expired *A card in London for the lounge. I was allowed in as an 'exception' I had a with a companion, which required the use of a valid *A gold card. I didn't argue the point, I did let her know about the expired UA card issue and she said she hadn't heard about this, which was surprising.

I had a 'C' fare for the SWU, and I did ask about using a 'Z' out of curiousity. The LH Frau said 'strengen verboten' they are well aware of the change of policy. I asked even if the SWU didn't specifically prohibit 'Z' fares, and she said yes. She said they now check with the aircraft ops team also who would forbid this. She was actually super helpful.
She also said they knew about the United card issue, when I entered the new Senator Lounge, before being upgraded, all they needed was my BP.

Hope that helps?