I too like the new automatic upgrade system. It definitely beats "call at midnight." (As I recall call at midnight only affected Silvers last year)

I have been happy with the elite notification via e-mail. In a year and a half of flying NWA moving from Silver to Platinum I am well over 95% on upgrades (100% since becoming Gold) and have received some "operational upgrades" as well.

The only disadvantage is when I bring my kids on a business trip I get their tickets with miles and pay for mine. Then prefer to sit with them in coach and NW almost always upgrades me even if I tell them not to! ;-(