Well, I just called 5 minutes ago to upgrade my STL-HNL flight this Friday. Indeed, there is now no longer any indication that the Elite 1 phone number is exclusive, seems to shuttle you into a general Aviators system. However, I was only on hold about 1 minute, got a helpful, enthusiastic agent who was more than helpful to upgrade me to first for the flight. Glad of that. I'm anticipating similar good fortune for my return flight, OGG-STL on Monday.
By the way, for the outbound I chose seat 1J. On the 767-ER I kind of like the bulkhead. I think on the return though for the overnight flight back I will choose an aisle seat in the middle section, maybe 4G. What are peoples' preferences/recommendations for this?