My thinking has always been that if you take the aisle of the 3 in a 2-3-2 (and the flight is full), the most likely outcome is a couple in the other two since solo passengers are outnumbered by couples (who will then disturb their partner rather than you). Maybe my perception is out of date thou...

With 2-4-2 there's no seat where you have aisle access and a good chance of no stranger climbing over you to get out.The only PE product I've ever found really compelling (on a value for money basis) is the Air NZ Space Seat on the 777 with 2-2-2 layout (now discontinued). A decent offering with ...

If the layout is still 2-4-2 for long-haul this will remain an unattractive prospect for solo travellers.