B pier at T1 isn't the best. It's old and it's been adapted to death, particularly with regards to passenger segregation which is why you go up and down. From the outside looking at the West side of the pier it looks awful. On the main floor of the pier it's not that bad an experience, it's bright, doesn't look 'too' outdated though more seating is required as you say. Downstairs isn't great at all. Ideally it could do with a rebuild but nothing on the cards as yet.
Barely any seats in Pier B i definately think Pier C is the better Pier.
I flew from Terminal 2 on Friday and that wasn't the best. Prefer Terminal 1 to be honest. Security goes round in a circle for some reason and the long stay car park is miles away from the terminal! When we used T1 we could walk it but with the T2 ar park you have no choice but to take the bus which is only every 15 mins. Next time we use T2 we might even park in the T1 & 3 long stay car park and just walk to T2.