I've seen changes on MMB online and in the Android app where my seat now appears as "Regular seat" and there are references to seeing a charge after selecting a special seat. I'll be annoyed if now I can't get free seat selection in the first mini-cabin in Y on the 777, as I always sit in rows 19/20/21 A or K generally.
Edit: I see Golds still get "preferred" free. Bit of a kick in the balls about the twins though, but those do generally go fast. Always got people queuing for the lavs next to you though, and the FAs gossiping behind you.