You would think that if NW began (or is planning to begin) auto-upgrading AS elite passengers, we would have received some instructions on this.

Northwest seems to be upgrading P/G/S passengers ahead of their windows. You would think that they would do the same for AS passengers, particularly if loads are full in the back but light up front - more Y inventory could be released. They'd have to know who these people are more than 24 hours prior, however, and that's not the case now.