Originally Posted by
CPH-Flyer
I am not sure that 3-4-3 in itself is enough to cost a star. Though roomy in width and legroom, the current sliding seat is pretty uncomfortable already.
The loss in roominess may be compensated by a reclining seat, so that it ends up being a zero sum game in terms of comfort. I have yet to try a 3-4-3 layout in a 777, so can't comment how cramped it actually is.
I could've sworn I read somewhere that having 9 or fewer abreast in Y in the 777 is a published condition for becoming a 5 star airline by Skytrax.