OK I am learning here...

Based on the DL website here is what I'm seeing:

a) The bad routing (2 stops, long layovers) RDU-JFK-LHR-CDG is available in J for low miles.
b) There was a Y routing RDU-ATL-CDG using AF metal over the water for low miles, but that disappeared. This would be better because it leaves a couple hours later and arrives a couple hours later, and I would probably prefer to get to Paris at 8:20AM than 6:00AM. If I understand correctly though, DL has no leverage over AF in opening award space. (Flights DL 1980/AF681)
c) There is a routing RDU-ATL-CDG on DL (Flights 1177/28) that had low award space in Y, but now it's showing as medium (90K) and very high award space in J (325K).

My first choice would be the 1177/28 routing in J. I assume it's silly to ask them to open J award space and knock it down from 325K when I didn't have a J ticket in the first place. Is this true, or is it something they might do?

If I can't get that, I would prefer some other routing, if I want to go in J I can go JFK-LHR OR I can at least change to the one-stop through ATL. I gather that even if the routing through ATL is more than the miles I'm paying now, they should open up a Y ticket for me. But I wouldn't want to use my one chance for a free change to that flight in Y until I've decided I'm sure that's what I want to do, as opposed to the inferior J routing.