Anyone residing in the US probably won't bat an eyelid at the new seating fees. For non-premium/FF passengers, they have become a reality.

In fact, I'm surprised Southwest hasn't been mentioned earlier. Apples to oranges, perhaps, but some of the principles of checking in early / online at T-24, or paying for better seating options apply, as well as the concept of being distressed about not being able to sit together.

This has been happening all the time, every day on Southwest for years, and it hasn't turned most passengers away from them - recent downturn included. You check-in late, and on SW you board late, you won't necessarily have the seats you want or be together. There's probably some cost incentive for BA (and SW) to drive their customers into online check-in, and leave seat allocation up to individuals rather than agents.

Again, on BA, it seems the exception rather than the norm that a couple with no status won't be traveling together if they check-in and obtain a seat allocation at T-24. Your chances may now be a little worse with the pay-for-seating option (assuming you don't pay for it at the time of booking and allocate at OLCI for free), but THAT'S THE IDEA - in this climate, if passengers are willing to pay a premium for something, you can be guaranteed that an airline will target that additional revenue.