For your Y class award tix, have they been issued? Once they are issued which needs to be done within 30 days of confirmation, I don't think you can then trade them in for J class tix.

Regarding your previous trip, did you have a paid Y class ticket upgraded? According to the rules, you can't have an award Y class ticket upgraded using miles (the original ticket needs to be in the eligible subclass YBHKLMV)

I have had award waitlists confirmed without me hounding them so I think the best thing to do is hang tight.