Thanks for the replies above.

I finally booked my flight and am assigned 8A on both legs.

I was told that 2A is under airport control. The agent advised me that there is no other way to secure seats in the first and second rows other than at the airport upon check in. (I don't know how "insulated" 3A is from toilet noise).

7A is *strictly* reserved for passengers with infants.

He assured me that 8A is "ahead" of the wings and shouldn't be noisy (although I'm thinking it would be - I think it is level with the engines based on photos).

Any other way I can get 2A?