Priority and Preferred Seats are not the same thing.

Priority seats are non-preferred seats in the first few row of the cabin that are only available for assignment to Status members. Technically they're available for Latitude...but see the next line. Even if a non-status person is paying for seat selection, they do not have access to these seats ahead of time.

Preferred seats are extra legroom seats (bulkhead, exit row) that are available to book at no extra charge with Comfort Fares or Latitude Fares, or to the general public for a fee. Access to these seats is also a status benefit for certain levels. The exact benefit (ie: free or discount) varies depending on status and the route. 25K and 35K only get a discount on these seats...they do not get them for free.