Hello! I have just got off the gold line for linking my booking (GCH) with my mum's (no status).
The linking went well and did not need to go to the 'back office', and the agent on the phone was able to select a seat for free. However...

I am currently seated in 1A, and wanted to seat m mum in 1C, but the agent was seeing that as booked, even if the whole 1st row is free on that specific flight. I know BA blocks the 1st row for GCHs, but I thought with the linked booking that restriction would be overridden. Should I just try to call again or there is no way that's going to happen? Currently she's allocated to 2A so I could move to 2C but I would much prefer keep row 1 (for both).

Any direct experience with this?