I see the point re food, and busy businesspeople, connecting and all that. I certainly wasn't trying to be a QF apologist. They clearly think they can make the cut and get away with it (how does VA compare? I have no idea) - as those making choices at QF will be interested in what the direct competition is offering not what TG serves on a 1 hour flight, or the LH FCT experience etc.

You'd also expect that in the cost cutting mode QF is in "they" can rationalise almost anything - heck look at the nothing you'd get on a US carrier for a 1-2 hour flight!

The other thing to note is the timing of the flight. Firemansam mentioned a "refreshment" type snack to my way of thinking. I've had similar between say 9am-12pm on MEL-SYD/ADL type runs, even MEL-BNE come to think of it. Most carriers have definitions, rightly or wrongly, of "main meal" times vs "refreshment" times.. and yes they suck if you fly through a main meal window - possible if you leave ADL at 1100, arrive SYD around 1330(or whenever) and connect to another flight after 1400.

Anyway this thread is about the revamped Y offerings - perhaps J discussions should go elsewhere