Row one is good apart from 1C, which probably the most bumped into seat on the aircraft, especially during boarding. Other row 1 seats are good though for the minimal extra space, plus getting served first.
On some LGW 320 1DEF is missing, which means that there is no bulkhead between row 1 ABC and the door - great if you're very tall, but some people don't like it as you're staring right at the crew for TTOL.
I think row 1 is open for everyone around 3 days in advance. If not, don't worry about being stuck in row 2.