Here's some math. Just booked a flight under the sale announced today.

Fare was either $76 cash or 5000 points plus $5.60. I guess that works out to about $0.015 value per point.

The EMS seat was either $55 cash or 2200 points. That's a value of $0.025 per point.

2500 points or $59 EMS upgrade for NY to Tampa
 

Just flew RT NY /Tampa and paid my usual 700 points each way to upgrade to EMS. It was a no brainer with 200 point bonus and 10% off. I can confirm that now booking a winter flight to Tampa its $59 or 2500 points each way .I declined. The sad part was that when booking flights to the left coast I always use Jet Blue for the EMS seats. Will be going to Colorado in Sept and will now look into Delta . Does anyone know if you can get free upgrades to EMS at the gate/ check in counter like you used to ?

It's definitely still an unofficial benefit.

Comp upgrades to EMS at the gate do still work on a space-available basis.