Definitely not true in this case. See attachment. There must be some other factors at play in the above case.

Seats not being available is not unusual in previous fare structure but the line following that is.



Here are the specific things I notice that shows the ticket has DEFINITELY not been provided the old benefits:

Some segments in this itinerary had pre-selected seats done at the time of booking as they were available at the time. I see these seat assignments in the itinerary. But in manage booking/change seats
a. The Q fare class segments do not even show the previous selected seat (even though seats are open in those segments according to ExpertFlyer). So the Q fare has been completely blocked from any pre-selection.
b. The N fare class segments show the previous seat selection but do not allow any change even when seats are open in those segments according to ExpertFlyer.
c. Both fare types have the same wording as above about additional charge for seat selection at time of booking.

So there is even a distinction between Q and N.

If SQ is discriminating between different travelers and/or flying regions in how they manage this is worse.

What happened to SQ?

Edited to add:

There seems to be a discrepancy between the app and web site as well.

The description above for difference between Q and N is for the app.

On the web site, the Q fare segment shows the pre-selected seat at the time of booking as complimentary but no changes allowed and the wording about additional charges for pre-selection remains.

So, it would appear that they will honor the seat assignments done earlier (hopefully) but no new seat assignments (if not available earlier) or seat changes if better seats become available prior to check-in. So no T-96 possibility.