I may be mistaken because I don't have the booklet with me, but I am almost certain that Continental even updated its One Pass Elite Members Guide this year to delete any
reference to preferred coach seating on NW.

In last year's issue, it was clearly offered, but NW NEVER honored it. Luckily, NW has lots of first class seats and rarely holds any back, so upgrade chances are excellent.

This year, if my memory serves me right, CO's handbook doesn't promise NW premium seating in coach. I guess NW and CO couldn't work this minor detail out!