This is my preferred side to sit on too for the same reason.
I've flown trans-Atlantic many times on a 787, only once on the overnight flights eastbound have I found the controls to be locked to the point I could not adjust the dim level to "fully open".
Going westbound I've typically experienced the crew will dim the settings to level 4 or 5, particularly on the port side of the plane. However, I've always been able to adjust my individual setting.
Personally I like it around level 2 or 3 depending on whether I am wanting to look out the window or watch a movie.
I find having the window at level 1 can be too bright, and disrupting for other passengers. Level 2 lets in enough light to make you feel you're awake during the day, without being too bright for both yourself and everyone else.