But, IF DL had a three class service, First would likely be above business. Just as it is on say UA.

I am not referring to how each class compares to another one across companies or even within the same company but on different trips. I am talking about on the very same plane/train. In China, and it looks like at least in Austria, if not a few other smaller rail routes, business class is considered more premium than first class. Does this reflect a difference in business practices across countries?