I concur with the view that the regular meals on American carriers are usually better than the vegetarian (VLML) meal. The problem seems to be that a vegan (VGML) meal is used to cover a multitude of special meals including VLML.

However, I've found that about 1 in 4 flights have only non-vege options, so if you don't order a vege meal, you get no main course. If the regular dessert is nicer, I ask the crew if they have a spare, and usually get one.

This is all academic as the majority of my flying is within Europe. Upgrades happen at check-in and only when economy is over-booked, and the meal is nearly always non-vege, so you have to pre-order (at least 24 hours in advance).

However, British Midland is an exception. They always have loads of execellent vege stuff on board, and the crew can always put together a very decent vegetarian meal, even if you are a last-minute customer. Air France is by far the worst. They even refuse to serve vege meals on some routes.