Well they finally got the upgraded. When I checked them in the usual thing of the MVP Gold showing up on the upgrade list happened (my dad) and the companion (my mom) didn't. I called and the essured everything looking correct on their list.

At 1:30am email received that upgrade was processed for both of them. At that stage the upgrade list had my dad disappear as well. Assuming because he'd be waitlisted for upgrade before his window by buying MVP Gold instant upgrade fare. Him and my mom did show up on the awaiting seats list with FC seat assignments. So did 2 other people with now F seat assignments and 8 people on upgrade list also all had seat assignments now so looks like at least 10 of the 12 seats were upgraded at that time. The seat map before that was always completely empty so not sure if the other two seats ended up being actual paid F or if they were sold at the gate.