Reading this thread has given me an idea.

I've been one of those late booking travelers staring at a seat map with nothing but middle seats. Usually I choose a bulkhead/exit middle if available; if not, I'll take the middle furthest to the front of E+ and refresh the seat map continually at the gate in case a better seat opens up. Once in a blue moon I'll end up between a couple and will switch for a better seat.

Can phone agents see the last names of all the passengers that have booked seats? If so, could I specifically ask a phone/UC agent to look for an open middle seat between two people with the same last name or on the same reservation? It would have to be a very understanding/patient agent, but just wondering whether a strategy to deliberately put me between a couple would work?