Correct, as shown by the screenshot above. On the other booking I was allocated 2F, but I've just noticed that is the G-GATx fleet, so effectively it is a plum seat. Either way, it's not a middle seat. In both cases there are only a few allocated seats on the services.

The implication of the above is extraordinary: if you book early, the aircraft is empty, you therefore get a cheaper ticket and a better chance of a forward location. Book late - well you can write the script.