I recently flew 4 sectors on Qatar. BKK-DOH, DOH-JFK and back JFK-DOH, DOH-RGN...
You're lucky you didn't fly on the B787, then you would have something to complain about. I avoid it like the plague unless its on a short haul sector where the alternative is a narrow body.
Back in the 1970s engines weren't powerful enough to carry the loads in todays cabins so seat numbers were limited and density wasn't so high. More powerful and fuel efficient engines meant greater loads could be lifted and carried further. London - Sydney became one stop instead of three, increasingly on a twin engined aircraft rather than three or four.
Passengers want low fares, they then complain about the cost cutting required to achieve those fares. They then say they will pay a bit more for increased comfort, a couple of inches more leg room and a better quality meal. However next time they book they will choose the cheapest option and continue complaining.
The bare bones low cost flies with a full cabin of whinging punters whilst the operator with the better product flies half empty losing money.
Soon there will be either low cost or premium carriers and nothing in-between. RyanAir compete on price and have non reclining high density seats with no meals or baggage on a basic ticket. Singapore Airlines offer a top class service with everything included and charge accordingly.
Aer Lingus had a particularly hard time as they were high cost and poor service. They tried cost cutting by reducing meals and baggage but were still more expensive and their customers thought why spend extra for a reduced service when we can get this standard even cheaper elsewhere.
Cathay have reduced the standard in economy as they have to compete with the middle east airlines but have kept up the profitable premium cabins.
These days an airline has to be either good or cheap. Premium economy is normally double the regular economy ticket price, rather than the 3 - 5 times multiple for business class but is still expensive for a few inches more legroom and a slightly better meal.
Basic economy ticket conditions are increasingly being eroded with fewer frequent flyer miles given and sometimes reduced baggage allowances but the reduced fares are able to come out on top of the important travel search engine results. Of course when you go to book you find the fares are unavailable for the timings you want and you end up with a dearer ticket.
BTW I find Qatar Airways to be generally very good and often one of the cheapest options.
The new B777s are being configured 3-4-3, the old ones are staying 3-3-3 as the expense involved in a major cabin reconfiguration isn't worth it on an aircraft with limited life remaining.