OP, I think you're perhaps suffering from analysis paralysis.

The convenience of nonstop is huge, and even in Economy, Air New Zealand always provides a great experience. If you've got extra $, whether for Skycouch or PE, it'll only be better.

I'm a different voice on Skycouch, as I have flown it with another normal-sized consenting adult, and we didn't hate it. In fact, it bridges the $ gap nicely between Y and PE.