Indeed. I'm a very frequent occupant of the MD80 exit row. And I'm pretty sure I could open it if needed. But there's a difference between lifting a 50 pound sack of flour, versus lifting a 50 pound door with the two handles, twisting it sideways, and either laying it across the seats (AA) or tossing it out the hatch (other airlines).

I'd love it if there were someplace in the terminal where I could practice it once or twice.