Just to stick my oar in...
I agree that the lack of proper entertainment on the MD-11 (and we all know why that is, don't we) makes it a sub-par experience, and the seating density of some of the MD-11s in C is not the best (but a lot better than the 747s they replaced).
However, once you cross the curtain into First, things get a lot better. I've done 4 MD-11 F-class trips in the last year, and I would say it is definitely worth the miles to upgrade!
Sure, I'd like to be playing with that 11" touch screen they installed originally, but the DVD works for me, even though the selection is pretty weak. And since you will spend over 2 hours eating, that, in itself, counts as entertainment!
I certainly wouldn't re-route to avoid an MD-11 in First, though I can see why you might to avoid one in C.
Ken.
"See, the old magic's still there" . . . Vila
"The old ego too.". . . Avon
- Blakes 7