Longtime lurker, first-time poster, with a question for the (amazing) collective wisdom of flyer talk...

I've gotten to the point in my travels that I'm willing to pay to fly First-- if it means I can escape the chaos of (over-full) upgrade lists, the narrow coach seats, the snacks, plastic cups, and baggage scrum in the back.

But here's the thing: are there any airlines with first-class service worth paying for? Most of my travel is domestic, so Virgin America comes to mind. But their limited route network is no help to me. I've also flown Delta, Continental, and United (on upgrades) in the front cabin, only to be entirely unimpressed. If you ask me, upgrades generate a lot of hubbub among frequent flier types like us for only very marginal difference.

Is there *anywhere* these days that provides good food, good wine, and good, comfortable service to paying domestic/US customers? Anything I'm overlooking? Like I said, I'm willing to fork out the money, I'm just not sure who to spend on...

(And to tag on a speculative question, what is it going to take for airlines to improve their soft and hard products in domestic first? Honestly, the way things are right now, it's embarrassing for the price the legacy carriers charge...)

Thoughts and advice welcome.