I am flying ORD-NRT this coming Tuesday, UA 883.
It is currently Y0, C9, D9, F7.
I am booked in the Y bucket.
Looking at the E+ seatmap, there are a total of 22 seats taken.

Options:
A. Use 15k miles (I currently have 80k, and was planning on using that for a C class trip to Europe next summer). I don't anticipate any more UA travel this year.
B. Let it be and hope for the best.

Am I correct in assuming that there is a decent op up chance for myself, based on the fact there are so few elites sitting in E+ now?
This is a government (YCA) fare, does that change my standing at all?

Do any 2Ps have experience on this (or similar) flights?
I am a decent sleeper, especially with the currently empty E+ section, but I guess that will change as no-statusers are placed there.
I am leaning toward option B, I have more or less divorced myself from UA due to CS related issues so I would like to redeem my reward soon.

Also, should I OLCI 24 hours in advance of my first flight, or just wait until I am at the airport?

Thanks for the assistance.