In this case the inventory was showing W1 on ExpertFlyer, there was availability on the Virgin web site, but the agent said she could not give me the upgrade for free. If I were willing to pay (I think) $159, she would have cleared it, as she would have done for anyone on the plane, elite or not, but she could not give it to me as an Elevate Silver upgrade. This was a paid booking, not an award.

I already have 9A so I'm in an exit row; I don't go on the upgrade list because in this case an upgrade would often be, in reality, a downgrade if I end up in a middle MCS seat. The free food isn't worth as much to me as window vs. middle. So I am stuck calling when I see seats window or aisle seats open.

Since I wrote the original post the seat has gone, so I can't really check it again at this point.