Having had the good fortune to work for a company that flies me Upper Class for long-haul business (blanket policy that over 9 hours we fly 'J' <img src="smile.gif" border="0"> ), I've had a rather different take on VS Upper.
I do agree with you about the new seats atco - definitely not up to BA standards. I've also found that when flat there is an uncomfortable ridge in my back - not conducive to sleeping well or waking up in comfort.
However I'm afraid I have to dispute your point about service <img src="wink.gif" border="0"> . I've always been very impressed - courteous and helpful crew (from clubhouse all they way through to arrivals) - and certainly haven't had the food service problems described. That said, I never tried the "any time" concept - I'd rather eat at the sensible time then (try to) sleep. (I bet the FAs would be a bit stressed if every single pax decided to eat at a different time)
But what I really REALLY do like are the trimmings. Being able to get up and walk around, go sit at the bar, is great. I can certainly never sleep for 11 hours straight in any airliner, and I really hate feeling I can't get up and go anywhere else 'coz all the other pax are asleep and in the way! And the massage... Stephen Fry has it in a nutshell
I know "other airlines" are changing, but I'm afraid I (and a lot of others I frequently travel with) still have a rather negative view of the service levels. It's saying something when even the cabin crew prefer to fly with a different airline for their own leisure...
Seats - waste of money.. .Quality of service - top notch.. .Concept and trimmings - best in the world, and I include my one experience with "traditional" first class.
2 out of 3 ain't that bad in my book, but I reckon they should have thought about the feedback from those seats before the refit progressed too far.