Good write-up.

Just two notes from my end:

1. Suites. Here you will find many differing opinions. Most people I know still claim that SQ suites are above EK. For the decor, you mention cheap plastic on SQ but I don't recall them changing anything since they launched and at the time they were rated as truly world-class, both in function and design. As I said, this is a very subjective area. I have also heard opinions on how EK has a tacky, fake gold look. I think we will both agree that this one is going to vary depending on the person.

2. Food. First of all I have never been a fan of tray food and prefer to eat before boarding and after disembarkation. With SQ 'book the cook' is just a gimmick - I have never ended up with something better this way than waiting for the regular menu and picking something from that. It's a trap.

My parents flew in on EK about 10 days ago and although they were in suites, they rated their meal completely differently: from superb to utterly disappointing. All it took was choosing the wrong (or the right) dish from the menu. Some are hit, some are miss. One ended up being superb, the other must have been cooked up with a bigger batch destined for the local jail.

You also have to look at where you're flying from, a lot will depend on this as well (often even more than what airline you're on).