Originally Posted by
findark
Personally, I would. I think the price rise is a legitimate concern as PE is priced far, far below both cost and the TTM market price. Fares will probably stay low longer than I expect, but it is a real risk.
A PE fare has priority over all Economy fares (any status except GS) when it comes to upgrades. However, the biggest reason in my mind to buy the R fare is that if you don't succeed at the GPU, you at least travel in a reasonable class of service. If the upgrade seems a sure thing, then don't pay extra. PE does not include lounge access of any kind (though of course your *G does).
You beat me to it by seconds!
As to the price rise, it was notable that, when BA introduced PE to the routes I'm interested in, the premium was quite low but then rose as the product became successful. They then increased the quantity of PE seats which caused the price to slip back, even though the product was arguably improved.