Allvest's approach seems correct and is the way I have been approaching this.

When R=0 from T-7days and space is tight, it becomes more of an issue.

Separate PNRs seem to work best but where R=0 at T-7days having both on the SE's PNR might get the upgrade for the other party (due either to SE status connection or PNR being processed as SE and in time order so E gets the upgrade first) although I have ZERO data to back this up.

I think I have another data point. When flying back from YYZ-YYC a couple of weeks ago, the agent had to do the upgrade process and since R=0 at T-7, I asked for my wife to be put on the waitlist first. I presumed that because I cleared the upgrade waitlist first that he didn't do that but now with this experience, I think he did put her on first (and he was under the impression that she would clear first if R opened up) but that my SE trumped her E.

Oh well--no big deal on these domestic/North America flights although it is nice to have the extra space--but on the intercontinental flights, I am very watchful of what goes on.

What if an SE hasn't even bought a ticket at T-7? Say on T-4 the waitlist has an E with booking class S. on T-3 an SE bought a ticket with booking class H and got on the waitlist as well. On T-2 AC decides to release one seat to R space. Why should AC pick E over SE?

Never heard such a thing and I have been splitting pnrs quite a few times in the recent past. Although never split a single passenger pnr for outbound and return.

Well, you go ahead and not worry about it. I prefer to sit in comfort on my 16 hour flights.

Hkg-yyz feb 28 showed 28 open seats on the seatmap. Still wait listed upgrade at t-7!!!

They wouldn't. SE trumps E even last minute.

Having read this thread, I know most of these rules are well flushed out yet, but I was wondering if anyone had any experience upgrading an SE and companion on the same booking. We've been waitlisted from ZZY to GRU next week, and as SE i think my chances are good to get upped, but any thoughts on my companion's priority (she has no status with AC)?

NEW WRINKLE

Just talking to concierge at YYC about this PM's flight to PHX.

Her contention (I didn't argue) was that if the upgrade doesn't clear by flight day and we go to airport control:

"since my wife is a guest on my SE eupgrade credits, even though she is Elite, she comes out below Elites using their own eupgrades."

I didn't bother changing anything to my wife's credits at this late stage but if this is true, it is truly bizarre. Even she admitted it was a bit strange.

Either way, she will fly up front!

This is possible. A couple times I've missed upgrades I was using my wife's credits (she is E) to sponsor me (SE). It's possible the other SE that got it was either on a Latitude fare or did OLCI before me.

I guess I'll just use her credits for her, or if R space is open.

The concierge's take on this is interesting as it is contrary to the published statements on the eUpgrade site:

The eligibility criteria that apply to your Top Tier status will be the same for your eUpgrade nominee. For instance, if you are a Super Elite member, your eUpgrade Nominee can be upgraded from the same eligible fares and within the same applicable booking window as permitted by your Super Elite status. Note, however, for upgrade clearance from the reservation waitlist and the airport standby list, the nominee�s own Top Tier status will apply.

This happened to us on a yyz hkg flight. I was clearly took by the concierge that at the gate upgrade lists are sorted as follows

SE Own (presumably by fare paid)
SE nominated (presumably in order by SE, E, P, non status)
E Own
E nominated, as per order above
And so on

Therefore my wife is better off using her own upgrade for herself unless here is availability at t-7

And either way if one seat clears I fly upfront. Being that I am twice her size.

No, I think AY mentioned here that at the airport, the person's status comes first, followed by the sponsor's status.

Yes but a persons status is sorted by whether they use their own or another eupgrade account. Higher priority among E who use their own status.

Agreed on that.

But in your previous post,
The order should be:

SE Own
SE nominated SEs (not SE nominated Es nor Ps)
E nominated SEs
E Own
SE nominated Es
E nominated Es
...

Should be the case, but not always - I was trumped by an E on a HKG-YVR flight in January.

Also possible to R to come available at T<24 and anyone who has E-Upgrades available can walk right up and take a J seat. Seen that happen too!