Fairly decided on going to Dubai (flying to AUH or DXB) with a couple of mates next year (wont say when as don’t want to jinx ticket avail). 3 F award tickets available out, and nothing but Y awards back. Got an amex 241 to use too.

My options are:
1) Use 241 for a F-out/Y-back and additional (separate) F-out and Y-back booking for the 3rd person.
2) Use 241 for a F-out only, and get 2 separate tickets for Y-back. Also get the additional (separate) F-out and Y-back booking for the 3rd person.
3) Use 241 and additional miles for 3 F-out only tickets. Use VS miles for 3 UC tickets back.

By choosing option1, I am saving miles by utilising the 241 fully, but am gambling on 2 J or 2 F tickets becoming available; which isnt too likely.
By choosing option2, I am maximising my abilities to get something better than Y on the way back. As the return flight is very late, we're not bothered about being split out over cabins, so long as we're out of Y.
By choosing option3, I am guaranteeing non-Y travel, but is a bit messy as have to use VS, and likely to need to do a CouponConnection trade to fully satisfy the mileage need.

I'm most tempted by option 2 at moment.