MSPeconomist, have you flown the competition say Etihad to Abu Dhabi (or Emirates to Dubai)? After all this is who DL should compete with on such routes. How about:
+15.4" screen in Pearl Business Class
+International wifi and calling (btw, did not notice this feature being abused)
+On-demand dining (yes, not when they want you to eat, but when you feel like eating. Also, way-way better food and even drinks)
+Free limo (to the airport and from the airport)
+Better seats (with more lighting options, slightly wider)
+PlusGrade bidding allowing to upgrade to First class suite for extra $$
+Better service overall
-Worse amenity kit
-Smaller pillow

I do understand why ljreinholt thinks those DL 777 BE cabins are not that competitive on such routes. Yes, not all items above are hardware, but still some hard product upgrades can be beneficial to increase DL competitiveness.