Seat selection

I've searched and can't find a definitive answer in laymans terms.

I have booked a holiday to Barbados for May 2013, I booked it through my local Thomas Cook travel agent who assured me that it is booked directly through Virgin and not through Thomas cooks "signature", I gather this is true as the travel agent has given me my flight locator code which allows me to log in to "my flight" online, however it states that due to site updates I cannot choose my premium economy seat until I check in online 24 hours before departure.
Is this the case or am I missing something?

[honey lamb]

Hi and welcome to V-Flyer

No, you're not missing something. Virgin Atlantic are suspending all seat requests throughout all cabins from November 1st this year in order to change the system. They do not know how long it will take and there is every possibility it may be in place before your trip but currently the message is that it will not be available until 24 hours in advance.

To put a positive thing on it, by May 2013, all the refurbs of the PE cabins should be finished and you will have a nice up-to-date cabin with a new IFE system

Thank you so much for your prompt reply.
Good to know that I'm not nissing anything, after many years of flying to the Carribean with Messers Cook and Thomson I thought it would be nice to try the real thing.

I hope Mr Branson doesn't let me down.