Have used AC and BA's online check-in and BA's fast bag drop at YYZ. The Toronto FBD does what it says on the tin, especially when you see the queue of people for a 744 including multiple groups which take ages as they are often connecting to South Asia.
Wouldn't do it any other way now. As for exit row - come early and queue up I suppose, same way if you're trolling for an upgrade or whatever.