So how can you explain this: domestic "first class" in reality being nothing more than just tarted-up premium economy seats that don't offer much over economy other than extra legroom and a few, rather basic perks like priority boarding, greater baggage allowance, and "improved" catering. If I'm gonna pay more for premium classes I should expect a better bang for my buck than this...
Have you seen European business class? If you think US domestic first is tarted up premium economy, you should see European business class, which is literally economy class seats (And they're worse economy class seats than you get on a US carrier!)
On top of this, US carriers hand first class out like candy to their Frequent Fliers, whereas in Europe if you want to fly in "business" you have to pay for it.
And as far as the amenities you mention, what more do you want? Domestic first class is really not very expensive on most routes, and it's a significantly better experience than economy. The Asian carriers are not any better on short-haul routes, I can assure you. The only perk is you'll probably get an angled-flat business seat instead of a recliner, but then again these routes in Asia tend to be a lot longer (And a LOT more expensive) than in the US.
Here's a seat map of a Japan Airlines 737-800 compared to an American Airlines 737-800: notice which one is nicer?
I'll say it again: The Asian carriers are not some utopia where you pay economy class prices and get business class service. In asia, flights are significantly more expensive, and the service in economy is really not much different. While you often get a meal, most Asian airlines do not have Wifi, power outlets, and many planes used on shorter routes have outdated or nonexistent IFE. And for the price difference, you could probably buy out the entire Buy-on-Board menu on a US carrier.