I don’t think many A3 passengers pay for seats at all. You can see this from the seat maps in ExpertFlyer. If you know the way A3 often control J availability to keep prices artificially high, you can also be more effective in getting coupons cleared. On my recent 5-flight run, I wait-listed coupons for 4 flights and they all cleared 48-60 hours before departure. Admitedly this is much easier in November than August and who can blame A3 for prioritising cash upgrades or sales before freebies.