Yes! This is very important. I always fly in 1A, and I have learned from experience that if you don't ask nicely, they simply won't put your bag in the closet and you'll have to put it under your own seat if 2A is unoccupied, or, worse yet, walk back and use an overhead compartment.

You can't beat seat 1A, IMHO! I hate Eagle planes and their cramped interiors, so the sooner I can deplane, the happier I am! (especially when I have to make a quick connection)