Just rode an A319 ORD-YYZ in 1D. No cutouts, but I could cross my legs as noted. Another point on the Airbii would be to recall that 1AB have very limited overhead space at that row. 1CD is better, but not great.
I'm not a fan of row 1 because if I want my laptop, I have to go get it instead of keeping it on the floor.
I don't mind row 2 on the 319 or row 3 on the 320 because you can recline however you like without being in the face of someone behind you.