Originally Posted by FLIHGH

It depends on the flight and the route. If the flight isn't full, I wouldn't risk it. But, if Y is sold out, especially on a 320/1, theres a real good chance OP will get an EMS. Plus, he said nothing can be worse than his seat assignment now, so there really is no risk involved.

I've been assigned to EMS 3 times at the gate. One was on a transcon redeye, and it was the middle seat of row 1, which wasn't great, but the added legroom was nice. (although, after flying mint on the outbound, it was certainly a big downgrade!)