[cortesoft]

I used to always fly southwest out of Burbank, and they exit from the front and back. I would always board late and go to the back, and be the first one out. I got pissed when they started telling people during boarding about how they exit at our destination, and more people sat in back.

[distances]

This implies you could choose your seat, and the plane wasn't full. That sounds like a different era to start with.

[cortesoft]

Southwest still lets everyone choose their seat.... you get a place in line based on when you check in, and when you get on the plane you pick any seat.