Just to clarify, I pay full first class fare, not using points or status to get first class. When I select my seats for the first (and last) leg on the small regional jet there are PLENTY of open seats in the front of the plane. I am FORCED to pay to select the seats in the front. I would understand if the plane was full. It's not. It's not gonna break my bank to pay the extra but it seems like I should not have to.