1. I haven't experienced this. The UD feels more secluded, guess it's more of an Embraer or Concorde-width cabin (not that I ever got to go on one of those!) and it has more of a private feeling. The ceiling is lower but I've never felt claustrophobic there.

2. You don't get the same view angle but it is still a nice view. Less ground view and more sky.

Go for the window seats, any window because of the stowage which is really useful. But having said that some seats offer more access.