I've also got lots of FF miles. The seats open 331 days before the date. Often you can book the outbound flight (one way) then wait for the return to open and grab that one. If you wait for the return to book as a round trip often the allotment is already taken. That strategy has worked for my when getting flights to Hawaii. You may also find availability closer to the date. I have also found that some flights only have one seat open. One thought may be to get one "award" flight and pay for the other (if you need 2 or more).

rigirly