I'm facing the same problem. Wife and I, both gold, (separate PNR's), are traveling BWI/CLE R/T tomorrow (Monday). No EUA even though A9/F9. Two calls to two different agents got same response, computer will have to upgrade you, can't be done manually.

Interesting aside. When I went to CO web site to check upgrade rules, the wording says "within X days." For Plats it says upgrade within 5 days, for Golds, within 3 days, etc. So the rules say CO can upgrade you anytime within the window, not necessarily at the beginning of the window.