Hadn't seen this thread before today and was unaware of the new policy until I booked some flights for myself and Mrs timmcat yesterday.
I wonder how many people see the option of paying £3 per person per sector preferable to the risk (albeit minor if the above posts are correct) of being separated from friends and family when seats are allocated at check-in? I did, and happily paid up. Not an unreasonable charge, a nice little earner for the airline and far preferable to the FR bunfight that I've had to endure on many an occasion...