Originally Posted by
asdf1223
If you use see them selling upgrades at the gate it probably means that there are more seats available than elites(DL+partners).
Not necessarily. It generally means there are seats available, only after it's clear they won't be purchased, they go to the elites (or so I was told).
BTW, 225$ for transcon on the intl BE is not so bad. Last time I flew LAS-JFK, the red-eye was operated by A320, with the usual FC seats, no refreshments other than the (in)famous basket and the upgrade was offered at the gate for 180$.