About split parties:
VIP has a separate line for getting your badge (You will all get your badges before the event, just means you have to wait for them.)
VIP gets reserved front row seating for stage events (You can always choose not to sit in the reserved seat, they can't hunt everyone down with VIP and make you sit there.)
VIP gets a signing session (Can choose not to go, but if you do your group can do other things while they wait for you.)

They did warn us in advance that the tickets will be upgraded separately. Some used a different tab for each ticket, some worked with their partners to do upgrades at same time. Once you saw you had 15min reservation, switch and work on getting another ticket to that spot before confirming.

It's upsetting that not all got upgraded. But you're all going to an event that lots of people are still upset they can't even attend and you're going together with people you know, spending the majority of the event together.