I walked St Jean to Santiago from 7 July to 9 August 2016 and echo these sentiments entirely.
At two albergues I stayed at (in Cardenuela Riopico and El Burgo Ranero), I was the only person there and several others I stopped in had plenty of room.
I must admit that before leaving (I travelled from Sydney, Australia), I was spooked by some posts on this forum and especially by this comment in
Brierley's otherwise sensational guidebook that - "
The summer months can be very hot and accommodation, even water, in short supply. July & August are bedlam ..." (p.11).
So I decided to pre-book several hotels along the way, which I wouldn't do again. While the hotels were invariably nice and comfortable, I really missed the camaraderie of my fellow pilgrims and a great opportunity to meet like-minded travelers in the albergues. I also missed the spontaneity that not being locked into booked accommodation provides.
Of course, this was all pre-Sarria. From Sarria to Santiago, "bedlam" may well be the appropriate adjective and pre-booked accommodation is probably well-advised.[/QUOT