AllanJ:

Seat pitches in Y were more generous then. I don't have figures but I would guess about 36" was typical. Western Airlines (remember them?) used to have, however, "First class legroom in coach", and when I flew with them from SFO to YVR in a Boeing 720B (remember those, too?) it was really noticeable, probably about 43".

But back in the old big prop plane days pitches were even better. The last of those I flew in was a Convair 580 in 1988, Burbank to San Jose, operating for American Eagle, and it was quite a stretch to reach the tray table (and there were little curtains for the windows - in Y!)

Regarding male flight attendants, British Airways long-haul, and their BOAC predecessor, have always had (notably senior) stewards. Apparently they used to transfer from the old Cunard ocean liners when they got fed up with life afloat. And on the very first British aircraft to have cabin attendants, in the 1920s, it was men as well, page boys supplied by the Savoy Hotel. You will notice I am not saying "anyone remember them"!!