When I click my NRT-TPE (UA metal), I am seeing:

"Eligible for Complimentary Premier Upgrade

You are eligible for a space available complimentary upgrade to United Global First on this flight, starting 96 hours before departure. When available, these upgrades are cleared automatically and in priority order."

When I click for more detail, it listed all the flights and it seems I can select GPU for SFO-NRT into first...

Toronto, ON Canada (YYZ) to Taipei, Taiwan (TPE)

30,000 miles + $600 per person OR Select Global Premier Upgrade

YYZ to SFO | 5 hr 39 mn| Airbus A320| United Business/Breakfast| No Front Cabin Available
SFO to NRT | 10 hr 58 mn| Boeing 747-400| United Global First/Lunch| 3 Seats Available (View Seats)
NRT to TPE | 3 hr 35 mn| Boeing 777-200| United Global First/Dinner| 2 Seats Available (View Seats)

If these are the new changes.....I like what I see!