I think the press release you link to is the news that VS only announced last week, so is for the future, not your current trip.
See this thread for details -
VS announce re-vamp to Economy travel experience.
Personally, I am 6' 2", and whenever I fly down the back, I always try to book exit row seats. If they have already gone, then I go for the extra leg room.
The thought of flying from the west coast, overnight in one of the normal Y seats, is not a pleasant thought for me.
The downside to exit row seats is that, because the table is in the arm rest, the width of the seat isn't as generous as it might be.
IMHO, money spent on extra leg room is never wasted money.
Nick