Skytrax- World's Best Airlines 2014 Top 10

Skytrax lists always make for an interesting debate

I’ve flown a few of the usual suspects on that Top 10 list over the years (mostly on long-haul), and I’d agree with your general take: it’s rarely that the winner is “clearly” better in every category—more that they’re consistently very good across the board.

A couple thoughts on Cathay vs. Qatar vs. Singapore

• Cathay tends to do the basics really well: on-time performance, orderly boarding, cabin crew who are professional without being overbearing, and a generally calm “premium” feel. Your HKG–TPE experience sounds very on-brand. Those older regional biz seats and darker AVOD screens were definitely a thing on some frames back then, so I’m not surprised you noticed it.
• Qatar (in my experience) often wins on the “wow factor” in soft product—presentation, cabin ambiance, and the feeling that they’re trying to impress you. When it’s good, it’s very good.
• Singapore is usually the most consistent end-to-end: check-in to cabin service to overall polish. Even when something’s not perfect, the baseline is high and predictable.

Why these awards can feel “off” sometimes
A lot depends on:

• Which route you flew (short regional hop vs long-haul flagship)
• Aircraft type and interior generation (as you saw with the older seats/AVOD)
• Crew variability (even within the same airline)
• Cabin class expectations (Biz/First magnifies differences, Economy is more hit-or-miss)

Question back to you (and anyone else reading)
When you say Qatar and Singapore are “slightly better,” what matters most to you personally?

• Seat/IFE
• Food
• Cabin crew service style
• Punctuality/operations
• Lounges/ground experience

Also—was your Cathay sector on an A330 or 777? The aircraft often explains the exact seat/IFE combo you described.