Transwede,
Your points are valid and the product offered last year should be the same re the IFE. perhaps this may be installed but I would not hold your breath.
I would assume a 757/-800 will do the SSH flights - surely not the-400??!! A 757 is better suited on this route but an -800 can do at a push.
I am sure it will be most eye opening to see whom handles XL next year. It must be time for a change though.
NCL pilot - whom do you fly for?