well,not everyone wants first row or back row, and for my first time i was one of the first people for the next empty train coming and I DECIDED MYSELF to go towords the middle of the train, avoiding the best seats. it's usually a good place for first-timers, because they aren't usually ready to go in the front. So, that sometimes gives you a chance to get the front, back, closer to the front; the good seats. and sometimes people ask others if they want to go ahead of them, but one of the crew-workers over hearing this wouldn't alow it. so it's all a matter of luck. i had my share:)