For those struggling to book, I want to post again what worked for me (I recently booked DFW-DXB-HKG in F).

1. Use Expert Flyer to find F availability (Z in Expert Flyer)

2. Call Alaska (or reserve online) to book J or X seats on the dates you wish to fly

3. After you have a PNR, call the general Alaskan number and once you get a CSR tell them you want to change your booking to F. They will ask for your PNR, but once they see you are flying EK the agent won't be able to help you and will transfer you to another desk

4.Once you are transferred, just tell the CSR that you want to change your flights to F and they should be able to make the changes right away and will email you an updated itinerary while you are on the phone. For reference, I called in at 11 pm PST and got a great CSR who works from home in Seattle. There are no change fees (unless you are making a change within 60 days of departure).

I had originally called Alaska numerous times and asked each CSR to check the old system but that went nowhere. Based upon my experience, it's best to get something booked first and then try to upgrade to F rather than booking F from the start.