imagin my terror when I got on a Thai 777 this summer and realized first class (short haul flight) was 2x4x2 - I started looking for the first class section.

Seriously though the 2-5-2 set up is much better in my opioion. First the way the cabin is set up in a 2x5x2 config the overhead bins better align. In a 3x3x3 the middle section of bins opens into the isle way causing problems in the bordering process. With a 3x3x3 set up people have to start sitting in a "middle" seat once the load factor reaches something like 66% - with a 2x5x2 set nobody gets a middle seat until you each 77%. Lets also face it if your traveling as a couple I would much rather sit in a group of two seats.

I suspect the the new J cabin will be 1x2x1 - similar to the way NZ, VA have their J product set up in the cabin behind the nose section of the 747.