After searching, I've read through a whole bunch of threads about BA's unique seating policy.

Fortunately for me, I learned that my Oneworld Sapphire status would enable me to request particular seats even if my BA dirt status wouldn't.

I also discovered that the FT consensus seems to be that the upper deck seats CW are better than the main deck CW seats. In contrast, seatguru and seatexpert recommend the backward facing 17-19 E&F pair for a couple travelling together.

It looks like I can choose two seats together in either location for an 8 hour day flight. Anyone have a recommendation?

Also, anyone have a preference between the 17 bulkhead row versus 19?

p.s. sorry if this has already been covered. I probably read 20 different threads on the subject of seat assignments and didn't see any mention of this.