I have this same problem! And they don't seem to be any help. And the agents at the airport are always annoyed that I come to them to check in. I recently applied for an aeroplan number because, like you, they assured me this would help. I"m sorry to hear that it doesn't, and may even make it worse. Like you, I have no trouble on any other airline.
I feel like I"m being treated like a 2nd class citizen. It also irritates me that everyone else on my flight gets to check in early via web, so they already have their seats booked. Anyone that has booked with me can't web check in either, so by the time we get to the airport and check in, there are no seats together available, and I don't get to sit with my travelling companions. Let me tell you, this is exteremely frustrating when travelling with my infant daughter, and I'm not able to sit with my husband for help!!
