If AC permitted upgrading from its new domestic LATITUDE fare, it would never again sell a full J-fare except to non-elites. Requiring Sat overnight round trip on H at least gives some degree of control over those customers who fly mid-week for a day or two, and thus forces them to buy highest level fare to do so. I think it makes complete sense, but don't expect anyone else here to think that way.

As for intercontinental, there are also fewer Elites flying non-Europe routes, so fewer will be disappointed that they didn't get upgrades given limited inventory, and their priority behind any SEs on the list.