Originally Posted by
corporate-wage-slave
There are circumstances when it could be free. E.g. if done within 24 hours of departure, if it's longhaul (irrespective of status), certain fare buckets. Also they do entertain the window/aisle preference for free. But broadly speaking, and with about 12 exceptions, being Gold does not yet give a blanket free seat selection.
I must have been lucky, then. Got seat assignments months in advance on the cheapest fare in economy.