SQL DB update for AF or Vision who knows?

In most scenarios even where there is a separate team responsible for the SQL servers, the PI team typically has access to perform the SQL updates as part of the automatic upgrades by running the installers. I'd request the access. That being said, AVEVA should be marking the release notes with DB changes because that affects how you perform the updates and whether an outage is required.

We ain't "typical" here and I am not going to get access to SQL. I "own" PI and the DBAs "own" SQL.

I get that type of environment you're in, and it has its pros and cons. Has your account manager made any comments on that type of request? It's certainly something I'd vote on, on the feedback site.