For the past few months, I've split my time between premium and first, mostly transcons. Currently on my 10th flight of the year.
In First, it always seems that the sole FA is overworked and/or uninterested resulting in lengthy waits for any type of service.

Few examples:

1. On a recent SFO-BOS, meals didn't hit trays until we were out of Colorado, and this was a smooth flight with the seatbelt sign off
2. Getting drink refills is crazy inefficient, I often get a glass of beer (not even the full can), and it stays empty until trays are being picked up, 2+ hours into the flight. Asking seems to stress out the FA for disturbing their flow
3. Lately I've been seeing the FA head to the back (presumably to help out?), leaving the cabin unattended for upwards of an hour or two
4. Hitting the call button sometimes leads to huffy remarks, but not sure what else to do?
5. The non-Max First seats are getting thin and not the most comfortable to sit in anymore

Now sure, you may chime in and say "well pushmyredbutton, you don't even get meals in Premium, so it's not a fair comparison.."
But here's the thing - in Premium I know what to expect. I can get doubles from the cart. There's a reliable mid-flight drink pass. Then a 2nd cart which is timed nicely.
There's no trash or empty glasses hanging around for hours on end. I can meander back to the galley where it's always staffed unlike the front.

So if I could guarantee Premium with an empty middle, I'd prefer that over First any day of the week. In fact, I've started to take myself off the waitlist on flights which don't appear to be full - you're welcome to the next person on the list

Go ahead, fight me on this