Sorry I forgot all about this!

This charge does exist on the LGW routes,as LGW is the bucket and spade hub. Other airlines have been doing this for a while for seats, even normal seats!

Obviuosly being in the Clubhouse does really help, I got my seat changed in there before when I was flying Y last March.

Another thing to bear in mibnd is that if you book your flights direct, VS will tell you that exit seats are not bookable. Book online at Expedia, it will now let you choose your seat, and lo-and-behold exit seats were available!

Thanks,
Richard