Originally Posted by
misd-agin
"If it had been my decision..." Actually the MEL would dictate the actions taken. Several groups, maintenance, FAA, flight department, get together and put the MEL together. If they thought removing the seats was necessary the MEL would state that. If they followed their MEL the proper actions were taken.
From the MMEL, passenger seat section:
May be inoperative provided: a) Seat does not block an Emergency Exit, b) Seat does not restrict any passenger from access to the main aircraft aisle, and c) Affected seat(s) are blocked and placarded “DO NOT OCCUPY."
Guess for this flight at least part C was not complied with.