I wish that airlines would post what they will serve on a given flight on their website. Late evening out of LHR - SIN full evening meal. (Very) late evening out of HKG - LHR on return - no meal until breakfast. Not serving a meal in the early hours may be sensible its but nice to know in advance. I personally think that having a well stocked galley for snacks on flights over ten hours is essential.
I presume that North American carriers can get away with not serving food on longer flights as passengers no longer expect it. In Asia pax still do. I wonder if an American carrier would benefit with charging a small premium for better service? CO tried it for a while but it didn't work. With only three large carriers I can't see it happening.
Laker stopped including food in the late 70s. Me, I still see a long haul flight as something of a special occasion and like a proper meal, but maybe I'm old fashioned.