"Forget, as I can only check in 24 hours ahead I guess I am stuck."
Thats strange. Is this just due to your location? I flew HAM-DXB-CMB last October. I am sure I could mark preferred seats upon booking. If available I received them upon 24h prior check-in.
We went for row 47 and it was a good choice. Slight drawback is the left armrest of the window seat in case your shape is more like Roseanne than Lindsay Lohan
since you cannot lift it up.
Booking the rows right behind the kitchens (like row 23 or 37) you may ending up with no choice for the meals as happened to us on return flight.