Pan Pan Splash: Agree with you completely, the last thing I want on a long haul flight is a conversation with a stranger. I too just want to sit back enjoy some excellent wines and some movies (preferably on demand).
Tall and Tasty: A 4.5 hour flight is totally different to a 12 or 14 hour flight. (though I'm sure you are aware of this)
QF are facing the same difficulties with their IFE. The crew are fed up with having to continually apologise for the breakdown of the IFE service.