From a former nonrev:
Here is where you need to set your expectations:
I probably won't get there, and if I get there, it will be hell getting back.
If you get there on time, that's good. If you get to fly a premium cabin, that's an added bonus on top of it. Just don't expect it.
I *never* flew to Europe during the summer months because it was nonrev-suicide. Loads change so quickly and all it takes is one strike by AF or AZ and the loads will be shot for a month and you will be sitting in BCN. As a buddy pass rider, you are even less agile than I was... I could ZED on another airline and even I wasn't willing to risk it.