I think "rubbish" is a bit harsh! Maybe on long haul there is more time to discuss (and more seats to play domino seating with!) On short haul not only does it not matter so much but also time and number of seats are more constrained. I was nearly the last to board from MXP that day. I didn't want to delay departure for the sake of sitting just behind the curtain.. Anyway, in the end I was very happy as I ended up sitting between two very charming and attractive young ladies with whom I chatted for much of the flight. Can't understand why they both nodded off on such a short flight.....