I take the seat block regardless of the row, especially if it means I can get 3 or 4 seats blocked on a SYD-LAX flight.

Back to the OP. When you got on the flight was it full? Often I have seen seats on QF.com for my flight, yet the lounge staff tell me its full. For what ever reason, the flight has always been full.

Most recently I am grateful for QF just getting my seat request correct. I am doing SYD-SFO in two weeks and have row 50 on a 2 class 747 and 51 on a 3 class Pac config 747 for the return, travelling on a B class ticket. That would be the furthest forward they could get me. Domestically these days I am lucky to get anything further forward than the first 8 rows of economy.