D'oh!! Based on your recommendations, I have just changed a seat request SIN-MEL from 17A to 25F. It's for my son, who doesn't like bulkhead seats, and prefers to be in the middle of any cabin. I see your point that 16K would be the best seat upstairs, but I guess you need status to get that. I think the aisle seat downstairs, with immediate access to the aisle, and increased chance of being next to an empty seat, will work out just fine!