And, the Airbus has some shoddy finishing, but the design of the back of seat pocket by your shins on the A340-600 is something else.
I strongly suspect that Airbus have nothing to do with the seat design. Normally a customer specified item, from their seat manufacturer of choice. B/E Aerospace, Britax, Recaro, Sicma, Contour etc.
It's a large limp sack that gawps, its outer lip reinforced with a metal rod, chafing at your shins. Never before have I chucked the safety card, in-flight entertainment guide, and duty-free brochure on the floor for the duration.