I will be on a 747-400 flight from YVR to KIX. I know that the exit row seats in the upstairs are the best but they won't give it to me until the date of departure. So what's the second best? Are upstairs seats more spacious in terms of the seat pitch? If it is the same, I prefer downstairs because of its higher ceiling.

By the way, what happened to the UA forum?

Thanks