It did used to be like that. I recall myself and the other half getting upgraded because of this. Then, several years ago, folks started to complain (IIRC) that they were getting trumped by non-status fliers. UA then, on the quite, changed the rules to be the status was carried if on the same (or linked?) PNR prior to gate control. Once it went to gate control it is EMFH. This was probably about the same time they elimnated the good old double upgrades

I guess the system is great if you fly alone all the time and sucks if you travel with someone.