This makes no sense. Transited Doha on Thursday on a paid J ticket and obviously I was allowed to enter. Though before entering I specifically asked them at the desk what the new rules are. And they showed me a copy of an internal communication stating lounge access is restricted only for airport and email upgrades. I even told them that my colleague was denied, they said it was a mistake. Then I told them I'd be transiting again in a couple of days on a ticket with a miles upgrade 2 weeks before, showed them my PNR and they verified saying no problem to access Al Mourjan. yesterday, from HKG in Y and Doha to MAD on miles upgrade, I was allowed to enter AM with no problems.
clearly there is a huge miscommunication. I will write to one of the senior contacts I have at QR.