So I just returned from a trip, first time in JAL's Premium Economy class. Overall, it's better than coach -- legroom is more than enough and personal space is nice. But I absolutely hate the slide-forward seats. It's better than Cathay's cardboard slide-forward coach seats, but still, i can't get very comfortable with the curvature of the top of the seat. It still doesn't feel like a true lean-back seat. At least there's decent padding though, and the amenities are nice (slippers, eyeshade, facemask, etc.).

Bottom line, if I don't keep my Marco Polo status after this year, I would try other Premium Eco seats into Asia.

Ed

BTW, security procedures for flights into the US from NRT aren't that daunting anymore. Just a pat-down and bag search at the gate. I'd say arrive 45 minutes before flight time and you are more than fine.