Originally Posted by
qwicker
If R1 opens anytime between now and my trip, would the system automatically skip over me and my companion if we stay on the same PNR and go to the next single reservation in the queue?
Yes. This is the disadvantage of a multiple passenger PNR.
Originally Posted by
qwicker
Should I apply the GPU before splitting or after? Does it matter?
You should apply the GPU first. This makes the system more likely to correctly maintain your companion's priority after splitting.