I wouldn't blame the terrible seating on the trains as the new TPE CAF units also have these as well! The EMR 810s could have the same seating at the new GA Stadler intercity FLIRTs as both GA and EMR are run by Abellio but it wouldn't be the end of the world if they don't. Abellio seems more "thoughtful" than FirstGroup & others as the new WMR regional trains lack the ironing boards.
I do like the Hitachi Super Express trains, only if they had better seating with the DfT being so penny pinching using the fire regulations excuse. I've used LNER up and down from Yorkshire, of course not as comfortable as the old HSTs and I didn't really find them a problem. The Thameslink 700s are much worse at least LNER doesn't have the cheek to use these between KGX and Leeds.
Depending how rail travel will fare post-virus and whoever owning the franchise, hopefully they will have the sense to improve/upgrade the seating when the IETs/Azumas/Paragons/Nova 1s/ the AWC, First East Coast, EMR units enter their first or midlife refurbishment.