ANA told me the same as well. That's why I called them twice, one to confirm this and one to pre fill the rest of my check in details to boost my chance of a successful check-in. Thank God whoever bought tickets from non-ANA airline (United, even the refundable fare) websites regardless of subclass do NOT have access to the paid window and aisle seats and ANA charges $20-25, unlike JAL - whose system caused me to get a window but separate from my family even when I checked in 5 hours early at the counter. The ticket price for Value Plus and Full Flex for my route of choice has been skyrocketing as well, which makes me doubt that all windows will be taken straight away.

Tbh I'm frustrated with UA since they GAVE me the option to select seats only to reject it after payment.

This will somewhat boost my chance of getting a window. If not, I'll just ask at the check-in counter. If it fails, then I'll just take the middle beside the window and ask the window seat passenger to help me in case I want to take pics out of the window, but NOT to move.