Seems like a good change for DMs in government-rich (DCA, IAD, BWI, etc) areas. My hunch is a fair number of upgrades go to government employees who are GMs or FOs.
Unless a government employee travels the same route all the time, they're unlikely to be a high level airline FF program elite because they must split their travel among carriers based on who has the government contract fare for the city pair.
Some other carriers don't prioritize government YCA fares as Y for upgrades and other benefits. YCA means last seat availability; HCA is also flexible.
I recall some reports here of GAs moving people with YCA fares farther down the gate upgrade lists.