Reviving this thread as I'm interested to know if anyone has had first hand experience of the auto-upgrade feature.
One would assume (gotta love that word!) that the auto-upgrade would deduct points per the fare type / route flown. Therefore, the traveller would reap the benefits of a full-points upgrade - i.e. CD pick-up / drop-off + lounge access.
This differs of course to the emails offering reduced points upgrades with reduced benefits.
Anyone?