AC is definitely a notch above their peers in the quality of the product.
That is largely because their American peers have to face competition and drive down costs to survive. If AC wasn't insulated by such a cushy regulatory bubble, perhaps we would see the standards deteriorate. Instead they can charge 30% more for a 10% nicer experience, and get full credit for that 10% in the surveys.
Nonetheless, congratulations are in order. Plenty of other flag-carrier monopolies fall on their faces.