, so I'm wondering if Partners can get standby upgrades confirmed the same as proper Gold Elites, or if I would be better to fork out the extra points for confirmed or pay for the upgrade, as my no-status would normally put me at the bottom of the list for standby upgrade.

As a "proper" Gold Elite I have never had an upgrade confirmed prior to travel and even after being "confirmed" for return travel it never happened so I gave up trying.
If you definitely want the upgrade I would use the points or pay for it.