It seems that going forward for TATL, PE is more than sufficient for the daytime flights (especially when using your own money and not OPM) and J is really only necessary for trying to sleep on the westbound. Especially since I think often the recliners/PE are more comfortable for lounging than the lie-flats.
I agree, having flown Virgin Upper Class just a few weeks before from LHR-LAX I did enjoy the service, but the difference in sitting was almost the same. With the PE seat on this 7 hour flight, I felt very comfortable and had no back pain or anything in the seat.
I really enjoyed it and when running short on miles, would enjoy paying for this product.