I have no problem connecting rather than flying direct if the service offered is worth it (and that includes any J/domestic first segments). Flying out to SE Asia, I now fly Emirates rather than BA after they withdrew F to the destinations I travel to. I’ll happily connect in DXB and get a massage in the terminal (with no availability issues any time I have done it). AF La Première is nice but fairly limited on destinations. For me, the flight is very much part of the experience not merely a means to an end so I value service quality over time.