Why More FC Seats on Newer Planes?
Looking at this from a business standpoint it seems AS would be better off adding more main cabin seats than more FC. I'm most familiar with the 737-8 (12 FC seats) vs. the 737-9 (16 FC seats). In my experience it's VERY rare to see FC sold out at 12 seats so they end up giving out complimentary upgrades. With 16 seats I see even more upgrades. Don't get me wrong... I love the upgrades but it seems from a business standpoint AS would be better off with more lower class seats. One example of pretty successful company following this logic is WN.
My flight pattern is generally west coast to Hawaii so maybe I'm not seeing the whole picture. Does FC regularly sell out on flights elsewhere? I'm probably +/- 75 flights over the last few years and honestly can't remember more than once or twice that there wasn't at least a seat or two in FC left empty.