Sorry, I am not sure if I understood your conclusion correctly - seems that there was nothing really premium except AF trying hard to be premium and still failed from your description.
However, the last remark indicates that you were happy with the product, which I cannot understand if there were no positive experience except the FA's.

OTOH: I flew recently with SAS on their SAS Plus product, and I can say outside that because it was operated by their older A330's, things like the seat monitor were not ok (see details in the SAS forum). But
- both food and drinks service was good - including a separate premium offering for the pre-arrival meal
- a small snack for the daytime flight to US halfway through the flight
- friendly FA's in general and actively coming with drinks during the flight duration
- lounge access at their own lounges
- good inflight amenities - good pillow, blankets and a simple amenity kit (all an upgrade over Y)

I only hope now that with AF as the main shareholder, they will not be going to spoil this true Premium Economy product offering.

Cheers!