In the 1960s and 70s, F and Y were offered on the most important routes in Europe, just as in the US. Then, a decision was made to move to convertible seats and instead of the 2-2 arrangement in F, short haul Business Class had 2-3. The middle seat was rarely booked unless the cabin was otherwise full. From its introduction until about five years ago short haul C usually had good food and champagne even if only 34" of pitch. There has been a decline there too, I'm afraid, which is a kind of vicious spiral in which food and service are cut and numbers travelling in C (in Europe) continue to fall.