See this thread in DL forum!

http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/Forum21/HTML/012665.html

Looks like with the changes that Save SkyMiles may have influenced, automatic upgrades are coming for DL elites - soon for NW elites too? Will that mean that they'll be an even bigger pool for upgradeable passengers - Will that mean that silvers will NEVER get upgraded? Will that influence NW elites to go for the higher levels, or more people not even trying to get silver (if they soon allow NW pax to upgrade) because it may not be as worth it in terms of upgrades?

Just thoughts & questions...