Don't knock Virgin for taking this step!
British Caledonian (anyone remember?) used to reserve a small section, which included the Exit seats, for "Premium Economy" passengers (ie) those who had paid the full "S" economy fare. Little touches were added, special head rest cushions, slightly better dinner menu etc.
Given that, nowadays, hardly anyone pays the full fare, who can blame VS for extra revenue generation. It also alleviates problems at check-in! (I guarantee that if 300 pax are booked on a flight, at least 200 will ask for the Emergency Exit seats!)
After all, if having the Exit seats is important to you, £50 is not a lot to pay is it?
