Emirates (QF codeshare) or Cathay Pacific J class?

[Mollycram]

Hi, I am heading on a trip next year that will see me flying from Melbourne to Moscow and then from Rome back to Melbourne in J class. I am stuck however on deciding whether I go with Emirates or Cathay so am asking for advice. The CX times are better and the flights about $500 cheaper but my question is around the comfort of Cathay's old style seats. I have read about how good the new seats are but it appears that on the HKG to Moscow and the Rome to HKG legs (ie the longest part of the trip) we will be on the old style seats. I am traveling with my 70+yo mother so am looking to make this as comfortable as possible for her. Given this, do I go Emirates or Cathay?

 

[Must...Fly!]

It may also be worth considering Qatar Airways as they will be in oneWorld soon (thus points/SC). The times/prices may suit better (though I haven't looked)

That said my primary choice would probably be QF/EK if all the same price, just because of the A380 availability.