Hmm. Not sure if I like this one. It's hard to begrudge AS money by saying they should restrict paid upgrades from people who are willing to pay money, but this seems like a cheap shot.
Because elites should all be upgraded anyway at this point, the biggest impact to elites is limiting the same-day change options. Now all customers have a shot at a U seat starting at T-24, but I can only switch to a new flight starting at midnight.
Edit: AS lists W (coach award tickets) as eligible for paid upgrades:
Paid Upgrades are subject to availability, do not include stopovers, and exclude industry discounts. Prices are based on one-way trip miles, as shown above, unless otherwise noted. The link to upgrade to First Class during Web Check-In will only appear if First Class seats are still available for purchase. Fare categories are booked in Y, YAS, S, B, M, H Q, L, V, K, G, T, and W classes of service.