Can't help with your First query, but we have travelled in club with our wee one at 15 months, 18 months and 2 plus years. Each time we have managed to get the rear middle seats. This was especially great on the overnight return flight as she was comfortably stretched out on the flat bed and, most importantly within reach of one of us. It is almost like a double bed. It did help that although she did not have her own seat the first couple of flights was quiet enough for me to move to a free seat.

Also, when the seats are upright there is a small, self contained area of floor space which can act as a play area without being in the way of other travellers.

Now ours is a bit older (a whole 3 years old) she sits as happy as a pig in poo watching her dvd player, playing games and eating her 'special meals'.