I've flown CX 5-10 times (all revenue Y, all in the last few years), and as an AA EXP (Emerald) I've received an op-up once or twice (Y to J)... but with such a small sample size I won't extrapolate to any general op-up probability.

I'll be flying CX884 HKG-LAX in mid-November on a revenue J ticket. My wife is using an award ticket, and only F is available. I'm hoping, that if there is an empty seat in F, I might be lucky enough to be upgraded to sit with her in F (and of course I'll nicely ask about it so it's not "just" luck). I see this is a 77A if that has any relevancy.

Does CX ever roll J to F to make room in Y/J for overbooking/standby's?
If CX does this, is the upgrade based on fare and/or OW status (MP vs. AA?)?
Is it even possible for any CX staff to upgrade me without a roll (to be with wife for example, does my AA Emerald help)?

Any info you can provide on the odds of my being upgraded, the scenario where it might or might not happen, and what I might or might avoid doing (if anything) to increase the probability or keep from killing it?

Thx