Well, I will start by admitting that it has been a few months since I have searched for reward fares on SAA. However, I have consistently traveled to Africa over the years on reward flights, and I think I can honestly say that SAA rarely if ever makes 2 J seats available on the same long haul flight any significant period of time before departure for the last 6 or so years. I dont really think that is a "myth". It may have changed recently, in which case I will retract my comments (but it hadnt changed as of June when I booked my next trip which will be on TK).

I actually prefer LX and LF's strategy of not making seats (in F) available at all to just having one seat available in J. One seat is largely useless--I spend enough time away from my spouse during the year, I am certainly not going to take a separate vacation. I said that to AC management too. I would rather see two seats/no seats on alternating days than one seat every day for just this reason. To make one seat only available on a long haul wide body aircraft pays lip service to the program, but flaunts the intent.

And as a result, I avoid SAA (not like they are all that great to begin with).