I was fortunate enough to fly both QR J and AY J over Easter - QR F SYD to DOH (awesome) and then QR J on a shiny new 787 to EDI. AY J from HEL-BKK on a new A350.
This time, to my surprise, I found I preferred the AY J flight over the QR one. Yes, QR has a great J product but I found the seat (5E) way too warm and for some reason the cabin seemed crowded. I don't mean full or busy or loud, just ... crowded. Purely subjective of course and I was coming straight out of my nice F cocoon.
The AY flight was good with no real lows or highs. (apart from I was fed, watered, tucked in to bed and delivered safely & on time)
I think on balance, at the end of a trip I'd definitely choose a direct AY J over a longer QR J flight.