Thank you all for the prompt responses. Ended up on the 777 (BA98) outgoing, will hopefully get to try the 787 on the return leg.

As I am new-ish to BA, I had some fun with the booking. The price difference between two tickets on one booking and two seperate bookings was significant ($600). Thus I made two seperate bookings (one for myself and another spouse). However I later realised BA seat selection is different that what I am used to (AC), I could pay to ensure we sit together ($75 each) or take the gamble and wait until general seat selection opens up.

My new questions for you knowledgeable folk is twofold:

Can I somehow ask BA to link or merge the bookings so that we are considered a party of two? My thought is, in a worse case scenario, if a flight were to be cancelled or delayed would we be treated as independant of each other (rebooking). My intentions are not hawkish, or to sound skeptical of BA by any means. I have very little experience flying with BA.

Second, if I have status (Bronze) can I choose both of our seats 7 days in advance? Or, because they are two seperate bookings, would I only be allowed to select my seat?

Thanks again!