AirTran Airways A+ Rewards - Elite with non-elite - seat assignments?

So, I just tried to book a seat for me and my daughter on a flight, and for the first time, the web tried to charge me for her seat. I called, and they said that elites are not allowed to assign a seat with their travel companion in advance for free anymore. They said this was a policy change about 6 months ago.

Is this true? I called twice and got the same answer. But I just travelled last month and got seats secured for my kids (travelling with two elites) for free in advance. This is definitely new to me.

Anyone with this experience?

Certain seats are free, exit rows and the more forward seats cost money to reserve as an elite for a non-elite. That is my recent experience on this subject.

For 717s I've been typically flying, 18 was the front-most row I could book for free.

Certain seats are free, exit rows and the more forward seats cost money to reserve as an elite for a non-elite. That is my recent experience on this subject.

For 717s I've been typically flying, 18 was the front-most row I could book for free.

Strangely enough, when I select seats the website says $0 for me (elite) and $0 for my companion non elite. (25A and C)

After pressing "Done", I am sent to the Checkout page / Payment page where they ask for US$6.

I feel it is a bug, because I am not reserving any Premium seat and I am reserving in the back. But still...
Minos