I think those biker jackets with the red/yellow reflective stripes embedded my help you invisibility problem.
But yes, most airlines seam to leave "seat recovery" up to the pax. My play would be to be early to the gate and just plead my case to the GA, asking for an assignment to the first good seat that opens from the blocked pool or upgrade. [EDIT: Missed wcj1's comment that the seats will be selectable at T-24, if so that is a no brainer].
Agreed with those who say to leave out the billable hours issue. Comes across poorly.