Agreed, London buses are in a much better state than American in general. But then you should be comparing them with NY.

The main issue of London buses is that they can be slower over long distances.

But over shorter distances, you are normally less crammed in, have a view with sunlight rather than tunnels, don't have to go all the way down to the tube and back up.

I wasn't aware London had sunlight.

Perhaps it sounds ridiculous, but it can be quite pleasant riding on the bus. My trip used to be up the Kings Road.