I've been traveling to Zurich the last few months, so I have gotten used to transiting in Newark or Dulles (originating in SFO)...it isn't ideal, but the upside is Global First. First 5 hours in E+ or F on a domestic narrow body is tolerable if I know I'll soon be sleeping in my favorite seat ( 763 1K) on the nice mattress pad.

All said, I think I'd still choose to connect if the other choice was a nonstop SFO-ZRH, but in C on a 2-cabin plane with those short seats I can't sleep in. I really don't like those seats.