As was said - what's needed? Status, some luck and a quick draw (OLCI -
if the online engine allows you to pick out an exit row seat). Especially on PER sector flights or any flight which is fully booked out.
Not sure if OW status vs. QF status might have a weigh in on the affair.
As a PS, if I am savvy enough with timing and OLCI, I have more chance of getting a bulkhead seat (i.e. up the front of Y cabin) than an exit row. If I could get an exit row seat, more than likely it will be a middle seat
. If I'm too slow, sometimes the only bulkhead seats left are... you guessed it... middle seats
.
Not sure how the picture will change when I soon attain SG...