regarding alcoholic beverages in Doha, I once had to point out to a US gentleman who was complaining to his wife, that alcoholic beverages are available free of charge at the Oryx lounge, they're just out of sight and you need to ask. When I end up in economy, the <40 US$ for the Oryx lounge are well worth it, quiet, clean, ok food, nice shower, well staffed, but of course it can't replace a hotel room for a longer transfer. I commuted between Europe and Asia at times, and when flying economy, I prefer a stop in the middle east, the shorter legs, preferably combined with a bulkhead seat to stretch my legs, a somewhat efficient airport and a quality lounge are not such a bad alternative to a long leg in business. The sandpit airlines arguably offer a good product to pax, although I feel a bit ambiguous about how they treat their crew...