Reading mixed reviews about Etihad, Qatar and Emirates I still want to ask some advice for my trip to Cape Town next year. From FRA/ MUC or ARN.

Skytrax gives almost same star ratings for both EY and QR in economy.
As for EK, I don´t like their B777-300ER version in Y: 3+4+3. Feels cramped.

I´ve previously flown long trips with SQ´s B777-300ER in Y and after 9 hours when breakfast started I got a claustrophobic feeling sitting in window seat. 32" at row 32 was enough for me for one leg so after that experience I paid Preferred Seats from Exit row at extra charge. I´m only 177cm tall (5.8"). So I prefer 2+4+2 conf.

Somehow I find Etihad appealing. I like their A332 layout 2+4+2. Their tranfer time is 1.5 - 2 hrs at AUH. But when making reservation for next October, their seat map shows every second seat occupied and all window seats are blocked. And their seat pitch with announced 31.5-33" is confusing. Would be nice to know where those 33"´s are located.

If I take QR, it would be nice to fly with them from Stockholm, but they have 7h layover at night at Doha and I won´t take it even if I pay for Oryx lounge.
Also return flight has only 55min change between flights at DOH, so I think that is not worth of trying. Also I don´t believe that QR offers five star service at Y. Skytrax still gives four star rating for them in Y. As IMO SQ did it at least onboard A380 upper deck. And yes their B77W was very clean. But still, I hate to fly with B777-300ER.

If I take EK, their only good side is that they offer direct flight from DXB to CPT. But aircraft is B77W with packed 3+4+3 configuration.

So... Any recommendations for EY, QR or EK in Y ? As comes for service, IFE, meals, drinks, transfer. Ticket prices are the same in all these carriers. I might also choose J class.