I can't seem to get Elerium or Alloy to work with either key. That being said, what does work is a nice boost.
And while it unlocks the skill tiers, the Barracks editing for ranks seems to not actually trigger the rank change.
[Edited by KRTsune, 11/13/2013 12:55:47 AM]
this option is best used when your units rank up at least once and are waiting on you to pick their first specialty in the rank tiers.
we didn't have 1000 hours to test ranking up during the various missions.
as always, I suggest you MAKE A SAVE GAME before using any editor/trainer that modifies your units.
best,
Cal