Ha-ha, I'm back already
The further competition dimension is there are many other carriers providing completely free-of-charge seat selection at time of booking, almost all before committing to a flight. As I said, if the seats are really, really the most important criteria then this choice is also open to all....use another carrier @:-) Being early (as was always the case) is the key....the days of foot stamping and crying at the airport should really be a thing of the past. Apologies to anyone whose parents / granny etc if that sounds harsh.
I see .... Welcome back.
I dont know how other airlines deal with the seats situation. I shall have to look into that. But being early or flexible is the only real option. Cost and time being the major difficulty.
On the plus side I do see the benefits. There is no need to worry if a person like me needs an aisle. Or a family group that needs to sit together. They can and this makes it easy for them. So no tense drives to the airports. No family split up unless they book late on a very busy flight.