I have flown the following european carriers AF,LH, BA, SK and LX long range Y in the last 6 years since I know EK (flew with them the first time on the AB310 in July 1998) LX and SK are the only which have better or similiar seat comfort or pitch. EK beats all with food and IFE, staff attitude and price. VFM is far superior. Just my opinion, experience it yourself. EK has dropped a little notch this year, which I attribute to the massive growth they are going through or the tremendous overbooking they did on all the flights I was on lately.
Regards Oliver