OP redeemed AA miles for all tickets, if you read. Will CX offer paid J upgrades on AA award Y for both segments? Kind of doubt it. Doesn't seem like much of a suggestion.

Have to wonder how wise it is to have a caretaker in a different cabin myself, but if there is only so many miles to go around, I guess you do what you can.

The suggestion for OP to pay out of pocket for Priority Pass is a good idea, as opposed to begging folks on the board for a favor as your first post...