The CE cabin is much calmer environment and of course being guaranteed a seat forward of the wings will deliver a smoother ride. Via Theoretical Seating, Gold card holders do receive the occasional added benefit of a row to themselves although IME less likely in an op-up situation.

Yes the seat rows are tight but there are small things you can do to maximise the available space around you that cannot be done when seated in ET, such as raising the arm rest and using the middle seat console to rest your arm. Doesn't apply to NEOs though, much to my chagrin