This is a case of "be careful what you wish for, because you just might get it."

United (and formerly Continental) had a fleet of 757's on those transatlantic routes. They were equipped with lie-flat seats up front, full AVOD and power throughout and were generally a decent ride. At least as nice a ride as you'll get in a narrow body.

But since the merger; the complaining hasn't stopped about having narrow bodies on that route. United is listening, so they're beginning to replace them with the 763's.

Problem is, those 763's aren't (yet) nearly as nicely equipped as those 757's were.

They'll get there, but it's going to take time.

In the meanwhile, we'll have some 763's crossing the pond that are a downgrade. Just have to be patient, although that doesn't help your situation one iota.

Folks wanted a wide body, they're getting a wide body. It's just going to take time to refurbish all of them up to standards.