DL 5238 today ORD-CVG. 2 or 8 for C+ up until boarding. Went to board figuring row 1 seat assignment would pop up. Nope. Asked gate agent that also had a redcoat, who simply said someone was ahead of me. Went to my exit row seat. Looked at upgrade list after boarding and only 1 cleared, yet a pilot deadheading got the seat. I know the pilot was deadheading as he greeted a colleague deplaning from our arrival and overheard their conversation. I really don’t care about the seat on a short flight. Karma worked out as I was the only person in my exit row. Shena or not?