Thanks SAT Lawyer...that does make sense. So, how has NW managed to book me into row 9 (it's even showing on my reservation), if that doesn't exist on the plane! Crazy.

Update: I called the elite line back to ask that they double-check this assignment and the agent advised that this particular 777 starts in row 6 for coach (!) and that there is indeed a row 9, but it's not bulkhead. Now i'm more confused than ever. I guess I'll let things be and hope for the best at OLCI from Dubai...Gulp.