From a pilot's perspective, what is the difference between 7 hours in the cockpit of a widebody vs 7 hours in a 737?. From Pax perspective, yes. But pilots sit in a seat in the cockpit., For all you know, looking forward, you could have a 737 behind you, or a DAsh *, or a chieftain. If its the size of the aeroplane, how do corporate pilots sit in the cockpits of Challengers or Globals etc on international trips.
Well put it this way. Try and certify that cockpit under the current suite of legislation rather than a 1970's grandfather rule and see how far you get..........
We did Tokyo's and Sendai returns all the time in the 320 at Dragonair. Over 10 hours stick time. Wouldnt say it was pleasant but speaking personally, I didn't feel it any different from doing it in the 330
Both those aircraft are far superior in pilot comfort to a 737 though.