You seem quite confused...

What do you mean by "regular elite"? There is no such thing.

W for domestic travel earns the same miles as discounted fares (about 2074 miles). It earns a few more elite qualifying points than deep discount fares, but for 99% of people that won't make any difference at all.

There is no preference for upgrades from a W fare vs any other discount fare.

You would almost certainly be paying extra for no benefit.