I'm basically doing the same thing from EWR. I ended up getting a BF standard award from EWR-LHR for my wife and a discounted $2400 BF fare for myself (zero miles or copay). Then a British Air RT from LHR to FCO for $175 each for myself and my wife. Going we're on CO and returning on Virgin Upper Class. Obviously going direct to Rome is better but you'll have a tougher time finding seats. I like buying an H fare rather than the discounted fare as the total usually is about the same with copays and you receive 150$eqms, but I usually don't book unless there's an UG available at time of booking.