I actually agree that the shopping and catering offers at CDG are really poor on the whole. I blame it on ADP which is a grotesquely deficient company in every possible way (and a Public Enemy No1 of many a frequent AF flyer!! )

The design of the airport is also largely inconvenient and counter-intuitive despite having been significantly improved in recent years.

Having said that, CDG is no worse than LHR or FRA, and AMS, in my view, is no better than MAD or MUC. Both security and passport control can be an absolute zoo at AMS and have made the headlines a lot more often than CDG in recent months for a reason.

I'm also really surprised by the comment that AMS lounges are better than the 2E ones. I couldn't disagree more and personally find all four major CDG lounges (2F, K, L, M) vastly superior to both AMS lounges in every possible way (crowding, comfort, food, drink, services, etc)