So it is a 777 change, from what was a 777 with business only (new config, 4 seats per row) and no first to one that has both cabins (old config in business, 7 seats per row). We had 1 EF which were the middle seats and still have 1 EF, middle again but if I go to the seat map on my reservation, I can only see rows 3 and above, so I don't see our seats anymore on the map. However as I said I see them on the reservation, albeit with that error message next to them.

Obviously I know that if the error message is there I am not likely to keep the seats which is why, before I book new seats and "abandon" 1E and F, I am first asking the community if someone experienced this before. I'd take first class...

Brunos had a good point: I tried to buy F on this flight, it is for sale ($12,000 one way) and 1E and 1F show up as available! I thus think that we should pick the business class seats we like as long as they are available... No new business seat or first class seat for us, right?