The opening up of the D/Z category can happen for Golds as well. I was a lowly gold last October and wanted a upgrade fromY-J from DXB to DEL. There was no D availability at the time .

It was the busy diwali period and the agent I spoke to said that she will try her best. Landed at DXB and was told that I was upgraded already. Very nice gesture from EK/ load controller.