but here goes -

To the OP
Many posters on FT have commented in the past on the uselessness of "linking" PNR's (reservations) for purposes as you describe. If I understand you correctly, you have your husband and you on paid reservations (separate? Same? not clear) and your children on award tickets. Up to now you have not had a problem securing E+ for all four of you by "linking" the reservations. If this is how you generally take trips, you have been VERY lucky. MANY posters report the linked PNR's do NO good and for the purposes of having the person with status bring in a companion to E+. The STATED benefit is for a passenger on the SAME reservation. If you've gotten it before you are as I said very lucky.

(PS it doesn't help your case here to have posters be of help, that you refused an U/G to C for your hubbie and you because you didn't want to leave your autistic child behind in E+)