This saga of problems was aggravated by UA's practice of too narrow PNR definition -- of not being able to combine into one (master) PNR all family members travelling together, no matter the fare bases. I've found with just my wife that split PNRs is a recipe for all sorts of problems: seating as well as upgrade clearings and I do everything to avoid split PNRs, even foregoing Y
gov't fares I'd be eligible for in exchange for cheaper but non-ref. fares that allows us to avoid the dread split PNRs.

Don't know why your 1P status did not override the SSSS, however. Months ago, SSSS might randomly appear for elites but more recently elite status held for a certain length of time was supposed to trump SSSS.