Quandry between a Full PE and Empty Y

I've not encountered this dilemma before personally so am going to see what the wisdom of the collective ([oo]) suggest I should do.

I am flying from DC in a few weeks on a o/w reward ticket. 33.75k for PE and 18k for Y. A340-300. Would normally go for the PE without thinking twice as its much better value for miles (and its a -300). BUT...

PE is over half full and since its a few weeks out, last minute MOD traffic could fill it up completely. Y on the other hand has fewer people than you can fit in the boot of a Mini, and comparing loads on similar VS22s, PE is often full and Y has barely anyone in it. I'm not concerned about the value I'm getting for my miles, but would you think it to be more comfortable spreading out in an empty Y with my own personal cabin crew, or enjoy the plusher surrounds of a PE cabin thats (nearly) packed to the hilt?

Thanks
AF

Originally posted by AtlanticFlyer
I've not encountered this dilemma before personally so am going to see what the wisdom of the collective ([oo]) suggest I should do.

I am flying from DC in a few weeks on a o/w reward ticket. 33.75k for PE and 18k for Y. A340-300. Would normally go for the PE without thinking twice as its much better value for miles (and its a -300). BUT...

PE is over half full and since its a few weeks out, last minute MOD traffic could fill it up completely. Y on the other hand has fewer people than you can fit in the boot of a Mini, and comparing loads on similar VS22s, PE is often full and Y has barely anyone in it. I'm not concerned about the value I'm getting for my miles, but would you think it to be more comfortable spreading out in an empty Y with my own personal cabin crew, or enjoy the plusher surrounds of a PE cabin thats (nearly) packed to the hilt?

Thanks
AF

A few years ago the no. 1 and I were travelling from LAX to LHR, me in PE him in Y on my miles. This was two weeks after 911 and loads were light - VS put me in UC and kept the no. 1 in Y, while closing down PE for the flight - divorce may have ensued but actually he said he had one of his best flights, four seats in the middle with arms up made a comfortable bed, lots of service ...

I think I'd stay in Y and go for the same.

I've been faced with the same dilemma many times going to Shanghai.
Given the chance to spread across four seats, I'd go for empty Y every time. I'm pretty tall but can actually stretch out more than is possible in a UCS. Also with careful use of pillows it is still possible to watch the telly!