I have a similar question, and glad I found this thread without having to post a new one.
My family (6 of us) are flying MSP-DCA 12/18 returning 12/23. We have 2 NW Platinums, one NW Gold, and three non-elite members all in the same reservation. Will the advance elite upgrade system pass over the elites? On NW I have found if you are an elite traveling with a non-elite in the same reservation it passes over the elite.
Thank you for your help.