Just resurrecting this old thread.
I've just got my Silver card (didn't make Gold this year), and the renewal letter states that I can now use my E-Gate privileges on my Silver card. It even states my DNRD number that I should state to get it renewed.
So, it looks like I was given duff information last year.
Note that you can now get E-Gate on your silver card if you get 5000 Skywards miles.
Cheers,
Rick