We're not talking about the movies, a parade, a city council meeting here!
Obviously, families come from far and wide to witness obvious deeply meaningful times, especially for the families in question. Maybe the visitors come from the airport or from driving many hours to witness this one time event.
What's the problem with offering a bit of civility, dare I say Christian Love to strangers?
It's a single service, a one time event, meaningful for grandparents, aunts, uncles, etc.
Can't we expect Sunday worshipers to not to sink to the level of mud wrestlers or WWF, over blessing of a new born baby or laying on hands to pray for someone leaving to serve on a foreign mission?
My point is that telling somebody they are not welcome to sit down because a seat is “saved” is rude. Now if the guy knew that the seats were taken so that a family could sit together for a rare special occasion that might also be rude. But in most instances this is not the case. Rather the “savers” are simply looking out for their own convenience.