I think the OP has a point in regard to the maintenance of the old VX cabins. I understand that Alaska doesn’t want to keep the VX seating but they should be investing in maintaining the status quo until replaced.

I think they will see less complaints once the airbus fleet has been refurbished. Sure - the new FC seats won’t be as nice, but they will probably be better maintained and customers won’t have as high of an expectation of the product.

OP - what you’re saying is unfortunate, but I’m not sure which airline FC product is going to be much better on LAX-PVR. I wouldn’t have high expectations for first class on this route from any carrier.