If one doesn't want to risk long-haul throne seats being taken up prior to the time period they get freed up (basically the 24-48 hours before the flight when check-in occurs), is it recommended to pay the fee and lock in the seat of choice in advance? Or would most readers/posters in this thread (and forum) just risk seeing what's available at the time you can grab it for free? It's a debate I constantly have with my brain.