Thank you all! After reading your responses, I'm at least somewhat optimistic that seats may/will open up. It's reassuring reading discrete data points.

And thank you, @KVS for your post. I saw the EWR-LHR on KVS myself (I love your software!), but could not get the BA agent to slap on another leg with a partner airline (AA), and of course no BA metal flights from LAX-EWR. I just may call back BA to try again! A double stop with a transfer is not ideal but beggars can't be choosers!

Again, many thanks to the FTers. Can't say it enough.