Originally Posted by
sdsearch
Alaska wants to have consistent exit row numbers no matter which type of 737 plane it is and no matter which configuration in front of the exit rows. So as they space rows up front wider apart (whether in F and/or PE) , they have to get rid of some row numbers right behind PE but before the exit rows so that it all ends up at the desired row numbers when they get to the exit rows.
That way they can consistently announce that those in the exit rows can board early, by naming the exit row numbers. (Of course, that boarding order may change a bit once PE is in place.)
I would think the rationale is having consistent PE and Exit Row numbering whenever possible in the event of a plane swap. Those who have reserved or paid for PE/Exit Row will then get to keep it.