As a solo traveller I always tried to get a seat at the back of the 747 (once smoking sections were eliminated) as you could have a window seat with only one person between myself & the aisle, and there was also space for luggage at the side of the seat. I always lived in hope that others wouldn't want to sit at the back & leave the seat next to me free - that didn't always work. I actually don't mind a noisier aircraft as it masks other noises (sniffing, chewing, etc) that I find annoying. The problem with the back of the 747 is ventilation on the ground - awful when the APU is working & even worse when it isn't.