US Airways Dividend Miles - Can my seat assignment be improved? Non-Elite, but a helluva guy

Good morning and greetings from Delta-land!

Due to a last minute funeral in Ohio, I'm finding myself on a US flight from CLT - SFO Friday. I'm stuck in a middle seat in the back, yet there are some premium coach and exit row seats available. Is there any hope for a reassignment to somthing a little more comfortable (either a window or aisle?) If so, how would I get a sympathetic and helpful ear? I've tried once and the agent was not helpful at all.

A little background: I'm a DL plat (irrelevant to US, I know), and a former US elite. I bailed due to having moved to an area not served by US a few years back. I DID keep (and use) my US Airways Master Card (Premiere World).

Is there anyone out there in your world that might help? There are a number of these seats available so I'm not looking to be unfair.

Thanks

Do an online checkin on Thursday at the earliest possible moment (24 hours prior to your flight). You can then choose any of those "premium" seats at no cost.

...or you can choose any of those premium seats up front for a fee when you booked your flight?