Canadian Airlines (CP) has just begun to remove 7 rows of economy seats on their 747s to give everyone more leg room. By my rough calculation, that will increase the seat pitch in economy from 34" to more than 40"

As well, they have removed 1 row of business class seats (already nicer than first on most US carriers) to make a good business class even better. (Pick the right business class seats on a CP 747, and you already had enough legroom to park a small car. Now you'll probably be able to park a truck.

So don't give up, there may be hope yet.

Ken