You do get tagged as 5R, but I've seen a lot of retirees get put on before 'other' non revs (and in better seats) It really does seem to depend on the gate agent. Today I checked in at the gate, saw the GA was stressed and a tad pissy, (then I found out that the flight had been delayed due to mechanical) so I went and sat down and shut up (like a good girl), and even kept away when they called everyone else up for seat assignments. By this point I was pretty resigned to waiting for the next flight, but I kept 'still'.

More people called, I stay put.

Next thing I know, they are calling for boarding, and I was thinking "Yep, looks like I'm going to enjoy the hospitality of MSP a bit longer"...

Then to my surprise, at the last minute I get called up - Exit row!!! *score*!!! And I'm almost certain that some of my fellow non rev's those that wouldn't take 'hold on' as a real "hold on" were going to be on that 11:30 am trip (I did see one guy stuffed in the back middle...)