1. Although the article states that the problem is with MAX planes, I am under the impression that this particular part of the design is common to all 737s. It might currently be limited to production runs of the MAX, but I don't think that's clear, and in theory the same defect is potentially in any recent 737. If anyone has better info, please let me know.
2. If it is limited to MAX and you're flying in the US, you can opt for Delta, which doesn't currently operate MAX. It does have 100 order for 2025, but for now, you're in the clear.
Also, Southwest does not assign seats and Alaska does not have a difference in seats between their -900 and MAX 9 aircraft. Although with Alaska I have had my seat reassigned because they changed from a -900/MAX 9 to a -800 before.