I prefer to read the flight reviews which give an actual indication of dis/satisfaction.
If you read the Skytrax average customer reviews, Qantas has an average score of 7.8 and Emirates of 6.0. Very good feedback on most of the written reviews for Qantas as well.
In fact a lot of the airlines that rated above QF on the 2012 best airlines list have lower average customer review scores than QF. Have a look for yourselves, these reviews make interesting reading:
Airline Passenger Reviews and Opinions - SKYTRAX