While I've read about some people having success getting IM to free up an "X"seat when there's "N" availability, I wouldn't count on it. You might also want to consider splitting your record if you're both booked on the same PNR since I think the only way that your waitlist would clear right now would be if two seats became available at the same time. You could also keep an eye out alternative itineraries since you're a 1K and can change flights for free. I just did this with a family itinerary (wife and son in XF on international fight but only NY for domestic segments) when I found some different routings to ORD that had XF availability.
Good luck!