I booked MCO-SFO on a B737-900. Three weeks before the travel date I found that I was kicked out of my favorite E+ aisle seat and moved to the corresponding E+ seat 1 row behind while > 90% of the E+ seats were open. I thought I would want to see and admire the high elite or FAM who shared the same taste with me.
Being a good practicing FT'er I keep checking the itinerary everyday. Five days later I found my favorite E+ aisle seat opened up again. Without hesitation I grab the seat again.
The downside is that I missed an opportunity to "know" an influential or interesting person.