747FOCAL, thanks for providing the comic relief, it was great!
It does seems odd that First is not upstairs, high noise level would make some sense. You are right though that BA does provide best service in the transatlantic route. Some of the other carriers don't even provide individual screens yet. I don't really like the rear-facing seats, but I guess they had to make maximum use of the space. Also great is the window in the lav as one watches the clouds roll by!
Speaking of high noise, there were suggestions here that the reason for BA getting rid of 744s was the RB211's high noise signature on take-off out of HRW. If true, why would CX want them? Are they different in noise certification? Any info/links appreciated.