It would actually be useful IMHO if menu cards were handed out to all, not conveniently forgotten in a galley stowage just because it makes the crew life easier. On the menu where it actually states "we apologise if owing to previous passenger selection your choice is not available".

That said, some peoples views that everyone should get their first choice IMO is ludicrous and quite frankly laughable. The quality of service is being forfeitted that some are getting so wound up about certainty doesn't warrant the anger or frustration being demonstrated. They'd be better off spending their "thousands" in Traveller and self catering or simply flying another airline.

For clarity - I was in row 10 in Club to ALC recently (last row due to last minute booking - I would have been eligible for row 1, the problem was all seats forward of row 8 had already been preassigned). Fully anticipated the lack of food options before boarding so made sure we'd eaten in the lounge before boarding. Nevermind no choice of meal on board, there wasn't enough trays loaded for the passengers seated in the cabin! Fortuitous for us and the apologetic crew member that we'd already eaten. A quick submission of a complaint online resolved within 24hrs and 30k Avios deposited within our BAEC accounts to make up for the service short fall... that we didn't want in the first place.