Can someone help me figure out a good approach for domestic upgrade chances for the two of us based on my shiny new LEXP status on March 1?

Background: Our domestic travel is almost entirely 2 people between ORD, PSP and BOS, usually with connections in PHX or DFW when flying to/from PSP. We also fly rt ORD-YYZ a couple of times each year, and usually one additional international destination which could be anywhere. Right now I have only 17,000 LP because I no longer fly enough, but I could probably get 100K in a year if I shifted credit card spend (at a cost, I currently get 2.625% on all charges.) My wife is Gold, we can maintain that if it's helpful to a strategy. I'm not certain but I think PSP may have a disproportionate number of people who will pay for F. We can make our travel plans many weeks or even months in advance, but we always want to be in BOS or YYZ over weekends for the kids. We always always choose flights that depart mid-late morning through late afternoon, depending on which direction we are flying, the final decision maker for which flights is whether we can get exit row aisle+center seats. I'm fine with carrying flight credits if plans change.

I've been reading about splitting UG requests, which is subtly different from splitting the PNR, right? And about resetting my wife's FF# to mine when we do that? I'm obviously a bit confused about that. Any explanation would be welcome, I'm ready to start planning April through summer flights.

Thanks!