If you're flexible, why not fly into JFK instead of EWR?

For the $2,000 or $3,000 you're spending for this flight, I would hate to be stuck in the front OR the back of an A319 on a transcon redeye.

The JFK flight is a 762 with plenty of business class seating that will virtually ensure your upgrade as a full-fare premier (or you may be willing to buy the C-class seat). The C-class seat will be demonstrably better than your 319 F-class.