An airline employee friend told me about a scheme, probably banned now. Buy a cheap coach supersaver seat. Then buy the seats on either side as fully refundable coach (much more expensive). At the last possible minute per the refund rules, cancel them for a full refund. Unless there’s a lot of standbys, you might get your own row.
“you might get your own row.”
Whether you do or don’t you’ll still be a jerk.