That's also where you'll meet the most savvy travelers. And, of course, up there you can also keep an eye on your stuff. I've grown used to the person seated in front of me turning around to see why his seat won't recline. It's because the back of his seat and my knees can't occupy the same space at the same time. When I make a reservation, I try to reserve the exit row or the bulkhead row.
Trouble is, so do a lot of people.
For a very long flight, say to Sydney, I may choose the flight or the airline based on availability of a seat with legroom. The bulkhead used to be reserved for categories such as mothers with babies or people on crutches. Now, some airlines hang onto those seats for their most frequent fliers, mothers be damned. Keep asking for a seat with adequate legroom. If the door closes and one of those favored seats is unoccupied, hurl your body into it.