BA phone representative said 1A was showing "restricted" -- try back at T-24 hours.

Then, I told him people told me that it actually opens up 3 days before departure and it was showing open on my seat map online, and he said "well let me see if I can get it for you them..."

About 5 minutes and lots of key presses on his end later (he had to remove my assigned seats and refresh the booking, and then re-assign a seat for me), he came back and said: "OK, looks like I'm able to hold it for you...so, you're all set, now you have 1A."

IMO, these really are the best seats for two ppl traveling together.

Not sure why it was a hassle/process, but that's now confirmed. Thanks FT. Will try the same on the return 3 days prior to departure.