If our 6'2" protagonist had managed to secure a preferred seat, or even something in PY, it would have been someone else sitting in Y-. It is impossible for 300 people to upgrade or buy preferred seats.

On that 777HD aka slave ship, how many in Y are "experienced" travellers and how many are VBITs? They are buying travel from a "reputable" company, the national brand. As others have pointed out, when you buy a seat, you perhaps do not expect comfort, but neither do you expect your health will be put in danger.
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13F