I watched 'Home Alone' the other day. The family there flew to France and the seat space was ridiculous. I was trying to remember the last time I did not feel cramped on the plane and I remembered.. one business class trip and even that was nowhere what was available then by default.
If I recall correctly, the last time I flew United I upgraded my ticket to allow me to choose my seat. Then when it was time to choose, there was another charge, depending on which seat. So double-dipping.