Have you checked F fares for your dates on other carriers?

If there is a comparable fare, why not take the $300 compensation from AS and then take a full refund to buy your ticket on another carrier. If it's on DL or AA, you'll still earn AS points (ironically, more than you'd receive from flying in F on AS in most cases).

Granted this won't get you on the same flight as your friends, but if flying in F is more important, this would seem to be the way to go.

If you remain on AS, can you at least get them to assign you PreferredPlus seats (at least you'd have more legroom, priority boarding, and a free cocktail).