We have indeed taken a vacant row, but was surprised that I couldn't select the seats as mentioned above.

The issue is not so much for me, but for the OH as he is significantly taller. We would normally choose to travel in ET exit rows on SH flights, but opted for CE this time as it is a special occasion. I was hoping we could sit in row 1 having only recently qualified for gold.

I personally didn't think it was a huge inconvenience for someone to move to the opposite window/aisle seat but realised others may have differing views which is why I asked as well..