Having flown both (AY half a dozen times, CX lots) I would be happy to go with AY for the time and cash saving. The food is fine, the wine list excellent. On board service is crisply efficient - very different in style to CX but good nonetheless. As noted, HEL is a fab airport to connect through and the long haul business lounge a pleasant place to wait.

The one big issue is the seat which is just a standard late 90's J class seat. The pitch was a little over 50'' iirc - adequate but not world beating.