I am a loss - you know you are asking for the rules to be broken, they won't, so what is the problem? You already know the solution, go to the back of the plane with your partner.

I wanted to use my upgrade on CO, my girlfriend was with me and I wanted to upgrade her too. I knew before asking that it was not policy to transfer upgrade coupons. I asked, they said I could upgrade but she couldn't, so I went to the back with her. I don't think it hurts to ask, but to complain when someone won't break the rules? I think you should just accept it.