I actually prefer AC's J over the domestic "First Class" offering of UA or US. The meal is (mostly) good and SEs seem to get meal preference even when flying on an upgrade. But still, I wouldn't pay for it. It's not THAT good.

Especially between Montreal/Toronto and Vancouver, you can often find int'l configured aircraft - once I flew a XM'd plane, which was a real treat - UA only has something comparible in their PS service btwn JFK and LAX.

Regarding YVR-ICN. I'm flying that route next Monday, unfortunately on AC. Flew CDG-SIN with Singapore Airlines earlier this year in the new biz class - now that's something to look forward to. AC's J internationally is somewhat disappointing, especially on older aircraft - but a full J ticket between YVR and ICN is only $1900 (booked thru Asiana) which is nice as it earns you 25% extra status miles (which C class doesn't, for example).