Nice report!
VS indeed do not allow the bassinet positions to be pre-booked, they'll only accept requests for those seats. Similarly, frequent flyers cannot pre-request those seats either. It makes a bit of a free for all when check-in opens up.
The PE toilets are also a point of contention. Some Crew will stop Y passengers from using the W toilets, others do not. The A343's do not even have a toilet in the PE cabin (you have to walk back to Y).
As others have said, you seem to have experienced the often inconsistent service that VS offer. When its good its brilliant, but every now and then its a let down, and its usually down to the crew and how interactive they are.
I think the PE product is quite good. Its enhanced economy at the end of the day, but with some nice added touches like meals served on crockery and with real cutlery, but its still Y+.
Nice report on the Ramsay eatery too!