Funny, a non-elite friend of mine forwarded me a link to an article today that had actually mentioned that while other airlines such as AA are adding more seats to the 'premium' seat selection and only allowed Elites to book them or anyone within 24 hours, that AS has recently removed seats from that 'premium' classification and allowed everyone to book them. Guess not quite enough for this situation though. Can't find the link now that as it was IM'd to me at work.
Very glad that AS will give me the seat selection benefits even after I lose MVPG and just have my AA EXP status.