Couldn't agree more - I want to buy 2 return business class LHR/MCT and upgrade to First on the LHR/BAH/LHR sectors .
The last thing I want to do is to find , after buying the tickets , that First is full.
The only way I have thought of doing it is to go through the process of buying First (which will tell you availability) then buying business whilst also on the phone to GulfFF to ensure I can get the upgrade.
At least there are no blackouts on Gulf.