I booked a roundtrip Aeroplan "Standard Reward" from the US to Canada. For both directions with 25K, Preferred Seating at check-in was free on the first flight, but there was a charge for for the second flight. (All flights on AC Metal.)

Based on my reading of the 25K benefits, I should be able to select Preferred seats at check-in for both flights since it was not a basic economy ticket.

Is the only way to deal with this to talk to Aeroplan? I called Air Canada and they said that I would have to talk with them, and I'm stuck on hold.

Can I just pay the seat fee and request a refund online since it should be covered?

Edit: Looks like I can select the seat, and not pay when it asks for money. Then it won't issue my boarding pass. Presumably they'll ask for money at the airport and I can try to get it waived there?