I would post the same.

I like the idea of keeping a bunch of good seats available for those on high fares booking late. If CC achieves that goal is debatable, but I do not have the information to prove or disprove that. I would like it to work out that way though.

As for CC itself, they've take out the sting for their best customers (elites) and if you really don't want to pay the fee you don't have to. You just won't have a seat assigned until the last moment.

I wish they didn't have to resort to these measures but if it generates a few extra bucks it can help keep the fares low and employees paid.