Yes, I would certainly prefer row 7 over row 9. Row 7 is in the small (2 row) front cabin and it gives a 'quieter' feel. Having said that, row 9 is not terrible (I would avoid row 8 as people tend to bump into it on their way to the toilets).
Row 6 is usually (partly) blocked because of the bassinet positions. If you are keen to get it, try via the app from about 3 days out. At some stage (not always the same moment in my experience), it suddenly gets released (assuming there is no need for bassinets).

Thank you! One more question.. on the A380, are there any preferred E/F seats in the J cabin? I'm have us in 9E/9F today trying to compromise between being farther from the noise of the bar vs also somewhat away from the front if there are any noise from the front galleys/washrooms.

9 E/F are fine. The galley and single washroom to the front of the J cabin are actually part of F, so no traffic there.
And the J cabin is VERY long, even a few rows from the back you won’t notice the bar. They start service from row 7 and (IIRC) 16, so 9 is good for quick service. Also you’ll be off the plane quickly. Mrs t and I are in 9E/F tomorrow evening ex LGW. For a day flight we like to be in 23E/F, short walk to the bar but far enough to avoid too much disturbance. But for us row 9-14 is preferred for a night flight.

Just had a EK flight and was on Y on the 2 class 380.

Thought I'll get seats in the forward section of the Y lower deck.

The seats are fine but the first few rows have very limited overhead luggage storage space.

So if you really want to keep your carry on on the space above your seat on the 2 class A380 in Y , I would suggest you avoid rows 41 to 44 on the 2 class 380 in Y .

There is space for a rucksack/soft luggage etc but a standard hard shell carry on would be a struggle to fit in till around row 43 or 44 depending on the size.

i'm flying a 777 (BNE - DXB) than onto an A380 (DXB - LHR) in a few months in economy and i'm thinking of paying for preferred seat - on the 777 i'm thinking rows 17 to 21 (in the little front cabin) and on the A380 i'm thinking row 41 (2nd row of ecconomy). is there any downside to this?

Some people don’t really like the front Y cabin on the 380 because of the traffic to the toilets in front and the light that comes from these toilets when the doors are opened during night flights.

We just flew on the A380 in J. Seats were 11F and 11E. We liked the location, it was far enough back from the galley.

Correct. But on day flights the front Y cabin is quite nice and open if you are sitting in the first 3 or 4 rows. The central row of seats is taken over by the stairs to the upper deck.

The only issue as I mentioned in the earlier post is if you have a hard shell case. The storage space is small for the first row (exit) and progressively increases as you go backwards.

It only gets to 'normal' sizes by the 4th row from memory.
Small rucksacks/soft luggage are fine but a standard EK max size cabin bag will not fit in the first 2 rows

I'm in one of these aisle seats in a few weeks and it's not the size of the storage that irks me, it's the fact there's none in the middle due to the staircase. I always want to put my bag in the rack across the aisle from my seat so I can keep an eye on it, which can't be done there.

Yes.. that's the issue. But if 3 of you are travelling together you get some privacy as there is no row of seats in the middle.

When the world settles down I’m planning to fly alone in Y class on 777 then A380 all EK. What seat would you recommend that has a view not too obstructed by the wings?

Emirates EK 222 seat layout
 

Does anyone know if business class seats on EK 222 is flat bed or angled? Where can one confirm this?

It depends on the date. There aren't many of the flat-bed B777s, so it's probably not possible to know in advance which plane will be used. Especially at the moment, when there is a much reduced service.

Saying that, the angle is very slight anyway. With a nose up attitude, I don't notice the slope - it's by no means a wedgie seat that used to be prevalent.

Thanks appreciate the details. Surprised even in today’s time they use angled for such a long journey. Assuming Seattle has same seats?

Whats the consensus on the best seat for a solo traveler in 777 new F? I've only flown the new F once before a couple of years ago FRA-DXB daytime flight. Had 1E originally for the novelty, but switched to 1K so a couple could sit together in 1A and 1E. Wasn't the biggest fan of 1K as I thought the gally was too close.

I do remember the center seats being more spacious, but I'm torn on which is better for JFK-DXB-JFK.
On the outbound only 1A, 1E, 2E, and 2K are left.
For the return I have my choice as the entire cabin is currently empty except me.

Thanks!