I would fly family class if there was no extra cost involved. If it is more expensive, then it better have other perks/luxuries than just concentrating the chaos in a smaller area.

And could I be _required_ to sit in the family section if I bring my toddler?

As someone who frequently flies  back and forth across the Pacific with two little ones, by myself, I would love a family class.  However, I wouldn't pay extra for it.  In fact,  I am sure they would stick Family Class in the back.  It it is loud back there and often crowded when people line up to use the bathroom and there is a lot of light that never gets turned off and the flight crew never shuts up with their gossiping.  So, family class should cost less as I am sure it would be the crappiest seats on the plane and you know they wouldn't provide any kid friendly perks.

As someone driving >2000 miles this summer to visit all the family we haven't flown to see since the birth of most recent child, because I will not fly with the kids, I would welcome a family section.  I would feel much more comfortable, and would consider much more seriously than I do now.  

Flying alone with the kids gives me a nervous breakdown, I worry so much about them bothering other people.  The last time I flew was over three years ago, and my infant was just screaming to be home in bed alone with me.  Yay.  The stewardess yelled at folks who tried to help.  And God bless the young Hasidic Jew next to me, who told me he was a dad also, and understood.  If I were in a family section, I could interact with moms, the kids could pass toys about, and I'd bring snacks for the hole damn plane.

Good point re: will parents all be forced to sit there? I'd hope not as my kid ages and doesn't threaten to bring down the plane with tears and tantrums. But for now ... I'd love not to have to worry about pissing off everyone around us.