Well, not quite as it sounds. If I did get upgraded to J, I would have given my wife the seat, at least for half the flight or on half the legs that I got upgraded.

If I was on the same PNR as all other 3 passengers, 2 of them kids, and none of them with status on EK, I can pretty much guarantee there would have been no upgrade.

Speaking of letting her have the seat part of the time, talking to an FA on the 380 she said they don't let wives/husbands switch their seat mid-flight, but she did say it was more "allowed" on the 777.