Can't think of where best to post this, so I'll respond to myself.
(I am gratified, I must say, by the many responses)
Here's question #2:
Regardless of how you responded, put yourself again in the role of couple #2, but instead of Couple #1 occupying B and C, there is a single person occupying seat B, and A and C are vacant.
Does this change your earlier-stated approach in any way? If so, how?
_________________________
Jim
'Tis the exceptional fellow who lies awake at night thinking of his successes.