Re the 787 on short haul european work we are normally at higher levels (410+) and cruising at M84/85, it also descends on a much shallower profile than other Boeings I have flown ,so yes it is different
Fair comment as I am on long-haul. Do you have the 'thrust levers slightly open' feature during VNAV descents? I think we used to but after some Blockpoint upgrade or other they now appear to close completely.