As I fly this route quite regulary it was interesting to read your report. My observations are mostly the same (especially the lounge situation at CGN). As I pay for my flights out of my own pocket I more often than not fly Y. IMHO if you are SEN which gives you the seat next to you blocked and an up to now 99% chance to get hold of an emergency exit row seat it is even better than C. And most of the times the FAs recognize your status with LH from the manifest and magazine or special drink requests are met without hesitation.