I redeem standard BF to Hawaii, from Los Angeles, every year for the last 5 years. I rarely have problems and fly during summer or Thanksgiving/Christmas holidays.
I found upgrade to BF is more difficult and expensive than redeem the free BF tickets. The seat availablility changes from day to day. Call and request wait list if the seat aren't availbe when you book.
Being elite really helps. IF you can get elite in 2007, for your 2008 travel, you will have more chances to sit BF.