Happy New Year, everyone!

I need help before transferring AMEX points to book main cabin/econ award tickets for 4 from SAN-FCO Nov 16-Nov 25, 2018. Schedule is not quite flexible, unfortunately. I did a lot of research and found the following. The restriction is that the return flight, has to depart after 11:30AM to allow enough time to transport (disembarked at 7AM) from port to airport.

1. BA & ANA charged too much for fuel fee, etc. since only Lufthansa available. Also, ANA does not hold reservation, takes 48 hrs to xfer.
2. AA does not have saver flights to fit those dates/times to be able to book via Etihad.
3. Delta would cost $65K + ~$940 for same flights available via Flying Blue ( 50K + ~$550) for return on Nov 26. Last week, for Nov 25 return at 12PM depature from FCO, Delta was available at $60K MR then on Friday it jacked up the price to >100K/ow + $350 fee/pp. (
4. Aeroplan? I forgot my password... It seems to require higher MR for this itinerary.

Any recommendation for a decent MRs spending + fee for the return on either Nov 25, Nov 26. Preferred Nov 25 since it would cost us 1 extra day off + $150 hotel + $200 transport between port, city & airport to stay over to Nov 26.

I am a bit nervous w/ booking FB award flights. It seems to have frequent issues per FB forum. Crossing my fingers if I have to use it.

TIA!