Having flown with Ryanair since 2002 in appr 200 flights I have followed the development from a consumer perspective. From MOL "What part of fu--ing no returns did you not understand" to "Always getting better".
I do not have a problem with separate seating as such. I do believe this has killed a lot of the goodwill FR REALLY has built up the last two years. Earlier we all played the Ryanair game. Measuring hand luggage, weighing hand luggage, buying 0,01 € tickets...Then came the more relaxed and sensible approach. Now it is one step back...
Personally I normally fly Norwegian when I have a choice and then I pay for seating. If i travelled with company on FR I would do the same.
I flew a few weeks back with FR.I did not pay for reserved seat. And yes I did get a middle seat on both flights.