Great report, as usual, sardonic meta-commentary and all.

Even back in the day, however, those first class bars were often sparsely populated. Eons and eons ago, I once crossed the Atlantic in a nearly new Air France 747-200, where "upstairs" was entirely given over to the bar. It, too, was practically empty and it wasn't even open for the entire flight. I remember that the one other passenger up there, a guy from South Africa, was nice enough to put up with chatter from the still-too-young-to-drink crowd, namely me.

The spiral staircase was fun, and I still have the 4-1/2 foot long fold-out promotional poster for the service.

The food? Not memorable. The seat? Same. The free op-up? Priceless!

And I truly do appreciate your wonderful reports. Keep 'em coming!