Looking up LHR-ORD-CLT-HSV for later this winter as a possiblity to my travel plans and it occured to me that it might be cheaper just to buy EPA instead of paying for non-deeply discounted E-.

Here's what I've got so far:

Paying deeply discounted fares (Q + A) (Err, don't ask me how that A snuck in there; the outbound ORD-HSV is booked in A--whatever that's worth) I get USD1937.27.

Paying lowest refundable fares (M + B) I get: USD2566.14.

Difference between the two is 628.87. Even if I pay the higher price, I'd still have to fight for the E+ seat.

Or I can pay USD299 for the lowest tier EPA membership and ensure myself E+ seat on my entire journey.

Am I missing something here?

Edit: Found this gem on the EPA FAQ:

No.Unfortunately, we are unable to guarantee Economy Plus seating. All seating is subject to availability.

All this says to me, however, is that I pay an extra $300 instead of $628.87 and I get the same fighting chance as if I paid the $600? I'll be a Premier Exec at the time (what's that, 1P? 2P?) .. Am I reading this right?