Pre check-in

I am Silver and the system allocated me 5C in first row of Euro Traveller. I believe 5B was blocked because 5A was a Gold.

Upon boarding

5A, 5C, 5E, 5F (and in Club Europe 4A, 4C, 4F) were occupied.
The guy in 5C said that he was meant to be in 5D but needed the aisle space for his right leg which was in a bandage thing. So I had to sit in 5D.

Other outcomes?

How would a seasoned Flyertalker make the most of this situation? Invite staff to find me another aisle seat next to an empty one? Plead for upgrade to 4D in Club? Try to get the Gold in 5A an upgrade into 4D so I could have 5A? Ask for a free G&T?