Not sure whether it makes any difference, but I have just registered for my free Ethihad Guest membership card - part of the registration allows you to choose window or aisle seat and also your meal preference.
Registration is via the Etihad website, and gives you a temporary card for use straight away. May not make any difference this close to people flying out, but might make something for the next time (if you get to go again)
in other news, the cars have already arrived at Yas Marina, as can be seen at
http://tinyurl.com/y9w4ty3