My first recent planned flight on UA flight/US metal -- may not be pleasant.

Does anyone have recent experience on US 1P (*A Gold), UA ticket / UA flight on US metal / codeshare on the ability to get exit row assigned in advance?

Called twice -- first US agent said no immediate, not til departure day. Second agent talked to supervisor and after some delay said they could not do it -- again only til day of departure.

In searching this forum it seems the answer varies. Any suggestions 5 hours in E- after always having exit rows on UA will be tought to endure.

Any experience / suggestions (other than the standard - try calling again -- but will that even work??)