I recently flew DUB-EWR on the 321neo and ORD-DUB on the 333, both in J. I wouldn't disagree with most of the observations by the OP and others here, but I do agree that it's a matter of expectations - both expectations of EI and expectations of the time we live in and what J cabins can/cannot be.

I'll flip this around and list what I did like:

1. I found the seat comfortable and was easily able to sleep. The key here is to get one of the four single seats on the 321neo.
2. The meal portions looked "modest" when delivered but I found them to be "just right." While it wasn't a 5* dining experience, the meals I had were way better than some of the slop that's been peddled in J by other carriers. (I'm looking at you KL)
3. The selection on the AVOD was good for me. I especially liked that there were Irish movies. The two that I watched were excellent, even if I had to watch with subtitles.

Would I fly EI again in J? Probably, although as a SkyTeam elite, it would only be when it was the best option available.

PS - the earnings for my flights (credited to UA) were abysmal.