Any credible theories about the reason AS would block an entire exit row? The MVP line was helping me with a schedule change that will put me on a 737-900. I asked for seat 16D if available (the second exit row) and the CSR said something like "Hmm...It won't let me assign any seats in row 16. They have the entire row blocked." Not wanting to waste her time with unnecessary questions about why they would do such a thing, I asked for a seat in row 15 instead and finished my business.

OK, I've heard about rows in the back being blocked for crew rest areas. I also was told once that they reserve the last row on some flights for transporting prisoners (NOT to be confused with FA's ) and that row 6 may be blocked for handicapped passengers. Sounds reasonable.

Anyone care to guess why they woud block an entire exit row? I'm not complaining here, mind you, as the MVP line staff was great as usual. I'm just curious about possible reasons. My only theory is too ridiculous to write down.