Wow, that system seems REALLY more confusing than it needs to be..

what is the final analysis or consensus here, any recent experiences?

Can a UA *Gold get an advance seat in something like bulkhead, exit, better row..I was going to book a long haul domestic with AC (with UA miles) which was a SAVER if you can believe that, but NOT if I am at the mercy of last minute seat assignments or no preferred seating (6'5 kills that option for me)