yes, and look at how much less you get in the USA on similar stage lengths?
I do not defend QF catering.. you can't.. but also the price charged is what they feel the market will bear (so interesting to see if Rex's entry will bring down prices more to compete - or try to crush them - or not, but I digress).
QF have never suggested their inflight catering was supposed to be a main meal, or even gourmet. Over the past decade or so there's even been a definite push or idea that people eat in lounges (and yes, with some exceptions like the Spice Bar some of the lounge food is poor too but that's a separate argument). QF have usually suggested their meals are more or less a snack specially for a one to two hour flight. That's long been the case in my view - I've never gotten on say MEL-BNE and expected to be filled by a lunch or dinner meal. Sometimes I am surprised, but other times I will also eat after, or usually before in the lounge.
And yes I know if one flies say TG from SIN-BKK (a two-ish hour flight) the food provided and quality is so much more.. but there are multiple reasons for this (long discussed).
I do understand the idea if you pay a lot of money you should expect more - certainly that usually applies to say a hotel room with amenities etc... again paid premium class travel is as much about what the market will pay for it as much as the product. With QF dom J the mix of actual paid v upgrade or staff travel is probably quite low relatively (just like in the USA, europe etc) so there is less incentive to provide better amenity... even the seats I mean how tight are 737 J now in row 2 and 3?
There are many reasons people PAY for J - I doubt many do it for the food....
And remember VA were dishing up two minute noodles so.... a party pie seems pure indulgence?!!