Should have posted before, but all of the above eventually got sorted sorted out. But it was a bit of a messy process, I couldn't get in to my miles and more credit card for months.
I just traveled on a Super Sparpreis in 1st class, and had to wait for a delayed train in Cologne. I was refused access to the lounge, on the basis that it was a Super Sparpreis. Just to give you a heads up. But the episode irritated me a bit .A 1st class ticket is a 1st class ticket, for heaven's sake.