I'd have to agree with this. Even (or especially?) in Y...
I flew United SFO-BOS last week. I ordered the one non-snack item offered on the 5 hour flight. It was a cold, soggy bun, with a slice of processed ham, and a slice of processed cheese.
AC has what I would consider pretty decent sandwiches, pizza, etc. Is it gourmet? No. But it's miles ahead of United.