Yes, that was my concern. Back in the mid-90s, when Gold was the highest UA status, I sometimes scored upgrades to business class on transpacific flights, but today is a different story. Still, I thought that with 40 Polaris seats potentially empty, I might stand a chance if complimentary upgrades were offered, even as Premier Gold, but now I discover they aren't even offered regardless of status on long-haul international flights, so it doesn't matter. Not a big deal, since I still have the upgrade.