I'm flying roundtrip LAX to EWR on planes with premium economy. Is there any difference in PQP earning or business upgrade priority between upfaring and getting the ticket reissued in Premium Economy vs using the paid upgrade feature? The former is $380 and the latter is only $225 for the outbound flight.

Will the full $225 qualify for PQP if I choose to do the paid upgrade? Will I get the same upgrade priority to business as if I booked a fare in PE?