I've noticed on the CO board, a major complaint seems to be the tight 31" pitch and lack of a premium economy. It's a valid concern, I agree, but I am curious why it would bother someone Gold or higher?

There is often a decent chance you will be upgraded anyway depending on route/ time, but more importantly, Golds and higher can book Emergency seats. These seats almost always seem to be available until the 24 hour mark. The Emergency seats are as good as any E+, no? This year, I've sat in CO's Y class Emergency seats once (EWR-LAS), and it was just fine as for leg room. And I am 6'2".

I am not an airline apologist, believe me, and I wonder if I am missing something about the whole issue.