Lufthansa First Class SFO-Frankfurt
After our superb SFO-MUC-SFO trip last December with only 8 pax on the 340, I was interested to see how the experience compared in the larger F cabin on the 744. Although last minute upgrades and at least one "friend" made it a full complement of 16, service was excellent, the food superb and our glasses never empty.
Traveling as a couple, I actually preferred the ambiance of the private upper deck especially from 83HK and the roomy exit row space, rather than the DG middle seats on the 340. I didn't mind the permanent serving station behind 82HK as it was only used during beverage and meal service.
However, one of the drawbacks of the upper deck is the stairs themselves, especially with heavy carry-ons. Another issue is the proximity of the galley and the lack of any sound barrier. Although it was not noticeable during dinner service, the prep for breakfast setup with dishes and glasses was clearly audible as most of us were sleeping or trying to. Another is that foot traffic seems more noticeable as the floor bounces a lot more than on the lower deck... or perhaps our FAs and fellow pax just weighed more than on the earlier flights?
There is also no storage space for standard roller carry-ons, relegating those to the not so convenient closet at the top of the stairs. Even smaller carry-ons don't fit overhead and must be placed behind the seat in the well, but then have to be moved to permit a full lie flat seat recline.
Prior to boarding, the UA IFL was quite comfortable, manned by two friendly dragons upstairs who made timely boarding announcements for all *A departures. Serve yourself food and beverage offerings, while not exciting, seemed better than the last time we were there (although it was UA so expectations were pretty low to begin with), probably because it was just after noon and there were a slew of UA international departures.
Once on board at our spacious exit row seats (83HK), we were quickly offered pre-departure drinks and mac nuts, PJs, amenity kits and slippers. With everyone on board some 25 minutes before scheduled departure time, the door was closed. We were actually in the air prior to our scheduled departure time. Taking off from 28R, we were treated to an amazing view of the coast, the GG bridge and the entire city.
Even with a full cabin of 16, the 3 FA's provided exceptional service. We started with champagne with my wife opting for the Cuvée Paradis Rosé. Silly me, I asked for the D since they were both on the menu. But, they were only serving the rosé SFO-FRA. Just not quite the same as "Mr. SFO, would you like the Dom or the Krug?" on my recent SQ flights. 
But it was still excellent...
And went very well with my caviar, which is the one thing that LH does better than SQ... unlimited helpings from the cart and all the sides one could want, proper plain toast points instead of melba toast. 
Our menu...
And the LH rose...
The Seasonal salad with shaved parmesan and balsamic was quite good.
I stayed with champagne as the wine offerings (Chilean Sauvignon Blanc and Wente Chardonnay) seemed distinctly uninspiring and far beneath SQ's vintage offerings.
The main course of Beef Tournedos with Cilantro Crust, Wasabi mashed potatoes and Bok Choy was exceptional and perfectly prepared...medium rare.
The 2001 Chateau Lynch-Moussas Cru Classé was quite good although after my G&T and four glasses of champagne, it might as well have been 2 Buck Chuck. 
After dinner, the cheese and dessert cart...
The cheese course and 2003 Neipoort were excellent.
...and the grilled pineapple and mac ice cream were a pleasant finish to a very enjoyable inflight meal.
Good night...
During dinner, the purser stopped by to say hello and inquire about our LH experience. We had a pleasant conversation but he erroneously recommended that we not bother with the FCT and go the "new B concourse FCL". Wow, was that a mistake. After our arrival at B42, there was no LH gate staff to direct us so we (and four other F pax) followed the signs to the FCL that was a good mile away (up, down, up) through one of the most ugly terminals I've been through recently. Once we arrived at this obscurely located lounge, we were advised by the dragons that this was just a limited service FCL (indeed the sign on the front door read "Open until 2PM only") to go to the A concourse lounge was was much nicer and had a full restaurant and showers. So like sheep, we trudged half way back, then thru C&I, out and a U-turn back into the A/B concourse. Another mile later, we were at the FCL above A26.
In retrospect, I actually thought my penalty box arrival on SQ last month and bus ride was less tiring, especially since I wasn't connecting on that trip and had no need for FCL/FCT.
Once we finally got to gate A26, the FCL was pleasant enough and conveniently located close to our connecting gate. The staff was most attentive and helpful. I only had to wait 10 minutes for a shower (which I definitely needed after our trek around a dismal FRA airport) in a very attractive and nicely appointed bath suite.
The entire arrival-from NA-for-connection experience at ugly FRA was just awful, in sharp contrast to wonderful MUC... with its well located FCL, private C&I and security, plus car transfer to your connecting gate.
Unless I missed something, why would anyone in their right mind willingly connect in FRA from North America if you could connect in hassle-free MUC? Though I can see where the FCT would make FRA the choice for fights to North America if one were originating.