British Airways also say people in the exit row only have to fit the requirements for take-off, landing and emergencies; so not the first time I have heard this.

I guess it was very annoying - or at least I would find it very annoying - especially when after boarding and take off you expect the luxury of a free seat and exit row for the entire flight, only to find yourself back in the Y sardine can due to a kind (to ill people!) FA....