Hmm… if “all the seats are the same” then why does BA charge a different price for different seats on paid-for seating? But back to point, seats together, especially if paid for ahead with the understanding that seats would be together, are not the same as sitting in different parts of the same cabin. Even if the seat is the same, being separated is not the same.

I for one don’t tend to require travelling next to my companion (indeed on JAL F deliberately chose 2A and 2K because it wasn’t a romantic trip and we both like windows and privacy). But I also understand those who do wish and are willing to fork out to do so. I have no patience for those who are unwilling to pay but expect others to move around for them, but for those who have paid to fly together, I think it’s equivalent to a downgrade in service when they can’t. Certainly it’s a downgraded experience.