Originally Posted by jimbo99
Hypothetical situation number 3:
Leave exit seats empty.
NO. I think you need somebody on hand.
As pointed out by another poster, the seats can be empty. I just got off the phone with a United FA (20-year veteran) friend of mine. He told me that the exit rows can be empty even if every single person in all the other seats is unable to or unwilling. Flights can be empty. There is no rule that the exit rows must have occupants.
Originally Posted by jimbo99
Hypothetical situation number 4:
Nobody willing... No the flight wouldn't take off.
My United friend confirm that they indeed would not be able to take off. If the flight is full the rows must either have willing/able passengers or be empty.