The pmUS system for upgrades was to prioritize by level (CP, Plat, Gold, then Silver), then within the level to prioritize by BIS miles for the past year.
It sounds like the AAngel was trying to describe that system, which hasn't been confirmed as a policy for the new program.
How exactly would EQM prioritizing work on the first day of the qualification year, if it was by EQM for the current year, when everyone has 0 at the same time?