For someone really tall the exit row when flying particularly on a long haul in Y is probably a godsend. As far as the unretractable arm rest, if the seat next to you is empty or the person next to you is someone you really want to be physically close to, then its a bummer. On the other hand, if a real POS of size sits down next to you, then the unretractable arm rest prevents his/her body mass from spilling over into your personal space.