I think this data point is ample evidence of what the Gold agent told me. Every flight over 2.5 hours gets a hot meal. Except when it doesn't. But that's okay because a snack box is the same thing.

I would say at this point, you should expect a snack box or complimentary BOB and PY/W on WestJet is just a bigger seat otherwise. If you get a hot meal, bonus, but it's best effort. That's what I'm going to do for my Premium flights going forward to avoid disappointment, and any future purchases will be in Y. I'll pay $100 to upgrade to a big seat up front but I'm not paying J prices for it.