The words trim sensitive are used by many as it causes less angst or fear than talking about the aircraft being out of balance or too heavy in certain areas. Passengers are very sensitive to much of the information given out such as tech issues or weather. Sorting the root cause would be the ideal solution but that requires a redesign of the aircraft type or carrying large amounts of ballast in the rear hold which in turn adds to the fuel burn and onto the ticket price. This aircraft is split into four zones and where a spare row is available within the same zone it will be offered by most crew to whom they see most in need, eg mother and baby, oversized pax such as height or a business person in need of space to work.
Often a seat change is required once onboard due to Passengers who No-Show or just not having enough luggage checked in and last minute cargo changes. We as crew do our upmost to keep everyone happy and often offer a free drink to those whom have been affected by a change of seat not as compensation just as a good will gesture from one human being to another, I must stress this is not company policy!
It is a shame so many people have become so unreasonable and objecting so strongly to moving in some cases just one row. Having said that there are many of whom who do remain calm and don't let it bother them.
I do agree from a passenger point of view it doesn't make sense the way we seat people but until we change to another aircraft type this will continue. Happy flying everyone!