Well, my experience so far.....
VH call center staff very helpful. As I cannot book miles upgrade through VH I can book the ground only arrangement and sort out my own flights.
Using upper class booking line I am able to book a reward flight which they will hold for a couple of days.
The reward availability does not exactly match VH itinerary. So the efficient VH call handler is trying to book me an extra couple of days at a hotel and arrange transfers.
All in all, very pleased with the service from both companies. Fingers crossed it works out.