hi, not sure about your 1st question, i always tend to book the first row usually 16/17c...meal service always starts at the front, yes u may have to put up with crying babies etc but get yourself some noise cancelling headphones.

re your 2nd question, 9hrs is a long time, ive got a similar stop over tomorrow - i will be checking into a nearby hotel instead. You cant buy a pass for the EK lounge, but i do know there is a lounge in terminal one (near gate 114 if im not mistaken) that you can pay to enter. If you have a visa waiver passport, you could just check into a near by hotel. Also is this the first available connection for your flight? if so would stpc cover you for accomodation/lounge etc?