Quick question about seat selection/allocation?
 

Can you reserve as a Star Alliance Gold also the premium seats in front of the economy class of AC, or do you need for this to be an Aeroplan Elite or super elite?

Thanks

I believe it is an AC only "benefit".

NOTE: it is not a "benefit" as first few rows generally have less pitch...

True, but you do get off first (after J, that is).

... because those extra 30 seconds you save are crucial. ;)

If you're talking about the Airbus narrow body fleet. When AC reduced the J cabins, two extra economy rows were added when a row of J seating was removed, and this had to be added in front of the emergency exit rows. So it is best to stay clear of any economy rows in front of the two exit rows, which for some unknown reason, AC designates as Preferred Seating. This doesn't apply on widebodies or the new RJs though.

I have noticed that when booking on the website,seat selection on the narrow body a/c tends to be in the forward part of the Y cabin.i.e.rows 12-15.These are the rows with less pitch and also has the seats that do not recline due to emergency exit row.

Anyone else experience this wonderful status benefit? ;)

I've noticed this trend of more empty seats being towards the back. This is not a status benefit on the narrow body a/c IMO.

This is not true for the A321s, it's 32" pitch throughout Y (except for emergency exits)