Done the SFO-NRT-TPE many times...
For me the most annoying part is trying to use SWU for upgrade on both segments with same flight number...
And sometimes booking as multi-city is more expensive...
I have to agree the new 777 in coach is a bit better than the older 777. I like the AVOD and that the seat slights forward. The food, slightly improved but no where close to NH's offering.
I just flew on NH's HND-LAX on Monday and their economy seats have AVOD, and foot rest, food offering much better and also passing out water bottle. Only thing that is not as good as UA is that NH has less legroom than UA's E+