How does a passenger rank an airline
Non-stop flights versus direct or multi-stops get my business first - groups like Star Alliance where I can use FF points within the group is next - AND - A FRIENDLY ATTITUDE by ground and flight crew is third (whether or not I'm seated up front or in "tourist" class). Like others have expressed: If I want a good meal in a nice surrounding/interior, I'll go to a restaurant on the deck. Cheers!
I'd have to say it's a tie between price and non-stop flights. Typically I like to find the best combination of the two. A close runner up is legroom. Being tall, I don't like being cramped in wee little seats!!! The only time I'd consider food is if I'm flying first/buisness class, and since this ties into the whole price thingie, I never fly either of those two classes. 
"What's this button do?? I don't know, push it and find out................."