Cigarman:
I'm not sure where I read this, but I read it somewhere:
Platinums and Golds on full-fare tickets may upgrade at time of booking by calling Continental.
All discount upgrades must be processed by the automatic upgrade system (must be=supposed to, barring any loopholes)
Basically, Y-Fares still need to call ahead anytime prior to be departure. Discount is under the autosystem. I don't know about a Y-Fare booked in less than three days.