While I agree that it sounds like NZ have dropped the ball with a slightly half-hearted attempt at premium economy (I haven't tried it personally), that claim about the legroom is well wide of the mark. Thai have 34" of pitch in their best Y seats (the same as NZ's 744s, by the way; United have 34-35" in ther international Econ Plus product; AirNZ's premium Y is 38-40".

For me, the fact that the legroom in Y on NZ (in the 747s anyway) means that the sizeable price premium for Y+ just doesn't make sense, unless the seat really is a major leap forward in comfort and space, which it really doesn't seem to be (ineffective legrest being a particular culprit here). On a 777, where the Y legroom is less and therefore the incentive to pay extra might be more, the truly lame decision to go with 3+3+3 layout in Y+ rules that even further out of contention. The premium drink service is a great idea, but again it sounds like the reality is a bit half-hearted unless you know to ask for it.

Having said all that, it seems to be doing OK as a class. Just a pity they didn't put that bit of extra effort into it.