You can always ask them nicely first, my staff told me they often been told those seats all been located already.

So I guess the demand is quite high these days, even getting a paid bulkhead seat you really need to be there early. So the chance for a free one is slim.

BTW, I believe the bulkhead seats for the PE is easier to get, and they don't normally ask money for it - as long as you ask nicely .