My friends (GMs) have tickets HNL-EWR on S fare; they do not have a MP branded credit card. I (Plat) applied RPUs on their itinerary; their PNR says they are waitlisted - no R spaces yet. Ok so far.

The wiki under Pre-Gate says:

- Waitlisted instrument/mile upgrades, sorted by status of redeeming account, fare class, and then time of request (e.g.: person in N upgrading using 1K's miles, Plat in S using own RPU applied on Tuesday, person in S using a Plat's RPU applied on Friday)**

But the United site says:

The following is the order of priority, within five days, on flights that are eligible for Complimentary Premier Upgrades:

Premier members on eligible Y- and B-class fares, as well as Premier 1K members on M-class fares: Instant upgrades that weren't confirmed in advance are prioritized by fare class, then Premier status
All travelers on waitlisted Global Premier Upgrades, Regional Premier Upgrades and MileagePlus Upgrade Awards: Prioritized by Premier status of the traveler, then fare class and then time of request2
All remaining Premier members using Complimentary Premier Upgrades: Prioritized by Premier status of the traveler, then fare class and then award travel3


Where do they stand in line with other Premier members to: (a) R space opening up; (b) within 5 days; (c) at T-24? Wiki says status of redeeming account and United says status of traveler.