EK upgrades
I am a regular in economy on Emirates YPPH-OMDB- ? sandpit service and have only been upgraded once in 3 years at their instigation in 17 roundtrips! All I can suggest is to use the early check-in feature on the Emirates website and choose your “favorite seat” in economy. Personally, I prefer the outside L or R aisle seat about row 42 on the 777 as the seating configuration goes from 3 abreast to 2 allowing a little more leg room. I know it isn’t much extra room, but at least I get to choose it. Other than that spend 52k points on an up-grade!