I had a similar F load on my CAE-LGA flight yesterday morning (the 6.27am departure). Row 1 was empty with maybe three other F passengers on the E175. No upgrades requested either!

A young lady was moved up to F at the end of boarding and the FA remarked to the captain in a way that suggested it was for weight and balance/trim.

As it happened after the door closed on the LGA-CAE segment I mentioned above a couple were moved into row 1 ahead of us, I think they were employees though.