Just a line to thank Skywardhunter for the info. You're a star. I Will sign up for EF to avoid this embarassments in the future.

I lost available Y Seats on sale for the first outbound flight. So I need to call them for the Gold benefit anyway.... most likely I will buy the ticket over the phone.

I will post op-up experience if it happens (hope so - for more than 2 year I only turn right on boarding for short haul, now it's time to spend some miles).

Again, thanks a million.