Just flew AA's B777 and B787 premium economy product to and from Europe. It was very acceptable, and I haven't flown international in anything less than first class for many years.Business class or better... although intentional premium economy on the 77W doesn’t look terrible.
I can't fault Pickle for his grade. Maybe I'd go with a B, but he is right. Run late for anything but weather, or a late bag, can't give an A.