I don't buy that as being any more relevant than needs in the US dictate plane size and timing. That quite frankly is a crock. I buy business for more legroom, better seat, better and more attentive service. On domestic I accept I will be sitting next to someone. I do not care about that. I think Europeans would be happier to have better seat, legroom and service over a coach seat with the tray stuck in a locked position. Craziest thing I have seen and no justification so far that I have heard. Usually as one of the posters stated I try to fly US direct to destination e.g. ORD/CDG or PHL/FCO to avoid the connection in Europe but this time it was not possible for ATH given fare, dates of travel and availability.