Delta AMEX Benefits - How are they triggered?

I used to have the gold but downgraded to options over a year ago to avoid the annual fee... well I have been paying bag fees and figured I would upgrade again before my next trip (an award ticket) in a week (for which I will have to pay $50 in checked bag fees again). If I upgrade now will I get the free checked bag? I paid for the ticket with miles and probably used a Visa for the extra $5 in fees they charge. So if it is based on how I paid I am out of luck I guess. Or is it automatic based on my frequent flier number and the fact that it is associated with a gold or higher AMEX account? I figure if I upgrade now I won't be in physical possession of the new card before I leave either if that makes a difference. I just have no idea how it works. I know before it was all automatic, but I also used the card to pay for the ticket in that case.

Also does platinum still get a free companion ticket at the end of the year? If so I would probably upgrade straight to plat rather than go back to gold. I could use the free companion ticket if it is relatively usable.