I learnt quick to never take row 2 for just that reason
And a wise move sir, but in the larger craft with several bulkheads (747/DC10/MD11/TriStar) etc the chances of getting that wrong are (or were) higher, especially before 'seatguru' and the like. As with all these things experience is the key, but you can never choose your fellow passengers ahead of time!
SHJ