What is the current wisdom or strategy for using two Aplan accounts for booking award travel for several pax (5) on the same itinerary?

The objective is to drain the one account (call it #1) with the lowest balance while traveling on the same itinerary. The challenge is that balance isn't enough to cover 2 return trips; only about one and a half. The second account (#2) can cover the rest.

So, what is the wiser/better (least worst?) option:
A) all outbound flight on one booking from account #2 and drain the account #1 on what ever number of one-ways (~3 of 5 pax) plus a third booking for the remaining one-way inbounds (2 of 5 pax) from #2. Makes 3 bookings (1 o/b 2 i/b).
B) only have complete r/t per booking, top up #1 accordingly. Reduced cost for transfer until November makes this a bit more affordable. Makes 2 bookings.
C) Other?

Routing is straightforward, no need for OJ or stopovers. For is NA to Europe, fwiw.

Thoughts are welcome and appreciated!

TIA,

Whitey in YUL