Reward seat booking - linking outbound and return

Hi all
The way I have always booked reward seat flights in the past is to grab an outbound seat as soon as available and then, once the return date comes up, I call VA and they book the return flight and combine it with the outbound I have already booked. This saves a little money on taxes and fees as booking 2 x one ways works out to be more expensive
However, when attempting to do this yesterday, the agent at VA told me that this was no longer possible since the new system launched.
I've gone ahead and booked anyway so I have two separate booking references (no big deal) but it has certainly cost me more money
Just wanted to share my experience with others as I am sure some of you book in the same way.
For my next flight I may just hold off until both sectors are available although then you obviously risk there not being reward seat availability for the outbound
The way I have always booked reward seat flights in the past is to grab an outbound seat as soon as available and then, once the return date comes up, I call VA and they book the return flight and combine it with the outbound I have already booked. This saves a little money on taxes and fees as booking 2 x one ways works out to be more expensive
However, when attempting to do this yesterday, the agent at VA told me that this was no longer possible since the new system launched.
I've gone ahead and booked anyway so I have two separate booking references (no big deal) but it has certainly cost me more money
Just wanted to share my experience with others as I am sure some of you book in the same way.
For my next flight I may just hold off until both sectors are available although then you obviously risk there not being reward seat availability for the outbound