10SS
The Cranfield (and other) research found that evac flow rate at the overwing exits was actually speeded up in some cases when seats were present in the exit row, as opposed to when removed partially or fully - I know, this sounds bizarre.
The Cabin Layout is approved by the CAA - airlines don't have an option to just insert seats anywhere at will
Safety is in my opinion the primary concern of airlines because a failure to operate safely will put you out of business (and possibly in court on charges of corp. manslaughter) faster than you can imagine.
I'm quite happy that we should agree to disagree on these points if you prefer. I don't wish to make a case that airlines are the white knights of ethical business practices - clearly they are not angels in any sense. However, I do feel that in this instance, your lack of trust is mis-placed. It is quite possible thaat my appreciation of the Cranfield results is faulty, in which case I'm sure that somebody will advise.