Yes, you are absolutely correct. When we checked in on-line it stated quite clearly that the block of seats would be held for 10 mins.
What I cannot understand is the passengers in front of us checked in after we did (or so they said) but were not allocated seats together. As a matter of fact, the father of the 3 year old was telling me that he had started the on-line check-in procedure three times but aborted each time because they were allocated individual seats.
As I say, the system worked fine for our party but I did witness first hand at least four unhappy couples and one extremely upset family.
Neck duly back in place