Update since I took the trip as suggested

No problems with the PC longe in EWR.
Miles for the CO segment showed up in around 2 days

Had to make so with some really low quality Priority Pass lounge at LHR (but it was a short connection so not big deal)

VS miles took 6 days to show up, longer than most partners but not a big deal.
(By contrast, miles for the LH flight I took to LHR to connect with the VS flight had shown up by the time I landed in EWR!)

Oh, while I am at it, VS econumy plus is a serious step above Y and almost (but not quite) at J standards. Its not like UA E+ that is only a few extra inches of leg room