It's not all about seat pitch; on an A380 you can get up and walk around for a hundred meters or so, on a small plane you are basically stuck in your seat or the bathroom.
While I like the A380, I must say I am glad having avoided the Gulf Airlines so far. One time it was close that I booked family trip with Ethiad, but then my wife said they are supressing women, she will stay at home. Of course ethical arguments could be probably applied to any airline in Europe, flying with oil from the Middle East and now from Russia. And of course for all cars, but luckily I don't drive.