Hi all,

Currently in the L gates lounge with a missed connection.

I had scheduled to fly JFK-MAN-CDG-DXB, all on one ticket with 1 hr connection at CDG (yes, that was stupid on my part, but we're here now), scheduled arrival at 12:45 with departure at 13:45.

The MAN-CDG landed 17 minutes late but we parked near the G gates so we had a 12 minute drive back to 2E. I booked it and made it past security, etc. however the gate was closed and I arrived T-15, 5 minutes after gate closure.

I went to the lounge where they tried to get me onto another flight -- I have now been issued a boarding pass for CDG-AUH tonight in a business class seat (5D). However, I have the remaining questions:
1. The agent said that the seat is technically not confirmed, informed to me after I had gotten my boarding pass and sat elsewhere in the lounge (I was called over the tannoy). If all people show up, I will be bumped down into W and that my seat is not confirmed (even though the boarding pass has a seat # on it).
2. If (1) happens, will I / be entitled to EU downgrade protection?
3. Does Plat count for anything in this instance? I'd really rather not be bumped from a flight, wait 8 hours in a lounge, only to take a downgrade on an overnight flight. Not asking to bump a passenger who is expecting to fly, but they were adamant I could only do AUH or onto another AF / KL service -- not even SV (CDG-JED-DXB) was entertained.
4. AF stated explicitly that they cannot endorse me onto EK. Was that true or something the agent did not want to do? (only for my learning, not going to push this)
5. What happens if everyone does show up for boarding? Am I still entitled to another flight? I've accepted this boarding pass for CDG - AUH with Business printed on it, but I was only told of a provisional seat after the fact.

Thanks in advance ...