Perhaps not anymore, but back in the mid-90s when I was Premier Gold (the highest elite tier at that time), 2 or 3 times I received complimentary upgrades to business class on TPAC flights between the US and Japan. Mind you, the upgrades were not given before or at check-in but only after departure. In all cases, the FA came to my seat and told me there was available seating in Business Class and that I could move there if wished. Today that would never happen. Now, the only way I can get an upgrade as Premier Gold is with points and cash, which is fine by me, as I agree with your point about free upgrades cheapening the product, but I would certainly never refuse one.