So, your friends will be flying EWR-KUL (via Stockholm, ARN) to connect to KUL-SYD. You should get very good service on all legs. EWR-KUL is served 3x a week by a 2-class B777-200ER and KUL-SYD (twice a day) by the same aircraft type or a three-class B747-400.

Generous 34" seat pitch in Y and acres of leg room (more than 65") in angled lie-flats in C. You will get two hot meals for the transatlantic flights with another two from ARN to KUL, with snacks available in between. One hot meal and a light meal/snack for the KUL-SYD leg. AVOD available in all classes + free beverages. Generally, quality of service should be at par with QF, but with more pampering and more legroom.

Your friends should also consider a stopover in KUL, and MH may be able to offer very cost-effective stopover options for Malaysia or even regional South East Asian destinations.