I moved over to CO a few months ago, and regularly do the MAN-EWR flight.

Pleasantly surprised, although I usually fly in Y.

I did upgrade to BF once, and it beat the hell out of BA J, apart from the seat.

I arrived at EWR today at midday, and had my luggage at 12:20. No queue at immigration, and baggage waiting on the carousel Other times have taken longer.

Departing from EWR can be a pain, as the 'Elite' line is usually just as long as the normal line. Then again, that just sounds like BA at LHR.

Cheers,
Rick