The fundamental underlying problem isn't about seat configuration. That is, after all a judgment by each carrier as to the hard product vs. likely sales. US carriers typically have F cabins which are 2-2 seating on a standard mainline jet. Some booze and maybe a meal ranging from inedible to OK. The reason they have devalued F is because they have made a business decision that F won't see and they give it away to elite customers.

European carriers have made the general business judgment that they do not need to give their premium product away and that there are people who will pay for it. However, why would I pay for a premium seat if I could get it for free?

US carriers are actually cutting back on the freeloaders in F and some are making an attempt at better service. Rumored changes at UA will grant UG to people based first on what they paid (fare class) and then on elite status so that low spenders won't trump high spenders.

Keep watching over the next 6-12 months !