Most of those who have responded will appreciate the persprective expressed on the seat selection issue in this article:
No, You May Not Have My Seat
http://coachclassblog.com/2013/07/17/no-seat-switchin
Yes, it is about voluntary switching seats but the critical part is here:
"Maybe it’s because I’m an American, a firm believer in motherhood, apple pie and two aphorisms: first come, first served and you get what you pay for. If you can buy your way into first or business class with cash or miles, bully for you. If you buy your ticket early, do a little planning and get one of the better seats in coach, bully for you, too."