Sorry folks I know this was discussed before but my computer wont let me do a search. Darn java.

Anyway, next year I want to do PHL to FCO in May and return eight days later. I'm worried, due to the limited amount of Envoy seats available for rewards, that if I wait for the 330th day out for the return the outbound may have been taken. Can I do this:
At 329 days out book PHL -FCO on say May 1 and book the return on May 2. I then wait for seven days and rebook my return when that window opens. Is this doable - I wouldn't care if I was hit for a change fee - I just want those row 1 seats. :D

I don't know if seat really become available exactly on 330 days out. So doing it on exactly 330 days does not gurantee a seat. But if it is available, there will be no change fee. Also it does not gurantee Row 1. It is usually reseved for paid ticket or may be for CP. I tried to reserve Row 1 on award ticket as a GP once but was denied. But got it during check in. :)

You might just want to call up US and ask a friendly agent. Then call up and ask a different one and see if you get the same answer. I once was booking a domestic award and was inside the window to have to pay the fee. I asked her outright, "Can I just book this three weeks out and then hang up, call back and change it and avoid the fee." She forthrightly told me, "Yes, not many people know that but you can do it."