Well a final update. We eventually bid £750 for an upgrade from PE to Upperclass on the return journey and didn't get that either. At least we have saved ourselves £1200+ each towards our next holiday. The flight looked pretty full and although the upgrade 'hope-meter' indicated we stood a fair chance it was not to be.
The only piece of excitement was when we were on the start of the runway and then we returned to the jetway. It would appear two passengers were then ejected for unruly behaviour.