So slightly weird experience and not sure if it adds or subtracts from the assumed knowledge.

1K and GM member, IAD-SFO-HKG, 2x GPU applied. Checked In at T-24 IAD flight. Auto-split PNR. 1K member listed first, GM immediately next on SFO-HKG upgrade waitlist. GM maintains BG1, E+, and TSA Pre. We bounce between #1 &2 and #4&5 on waitlist for 33 hours (always right next to each other) before finally getting one battlefield upgrade. Told the GA at T-90 min we would take 1 upgrade rather than sit together.

HKG-SFO-IAD return flight now with a split PNR. 2x GPU applied. 1K Checked In at T-24 and appeared #1 on waitlist. GM checked in at T23:59 and jumped to #1 on waitlist, bumping 1K to #2 . GM maintains BG1 and E+ but loses TSA Pre. At T-5, someone gets between us on the waitlist so it now goes: 1. GM (w/1K GPU) 2. Unknown. 3. 1K companion of #1 GM with GPU. 4-28. Unknown combination of GPU, MUA, NRSA. Told the GA we would take one upgrade rather than stay together. Of course, #1 and #2 battlefield clear. On the SFO-IAD leg, GM remains immediately ahead of 1K the entire time.

When speaking with 1K desk, they said that system would clear actual 1K members before non-1Ks traveling on 1K instruments. That makes sense except the non-1K traveling on the 1K instrument cleared first.

Not sure what to make of it all except to only book R=> # of seats you need.