I don’t understand where this ‘unprofitable’ idea coming from. It is profitable if you use it what it was designed for, which Emirates is doing.
A380 is designed for a major hub airline. If you buy a few for prestige, without an actual operable plan (Malaysian, British, etc) then yes, it is not profitable. It has nothing to do with the aircraft itself. It has everything to do with the operation.
For example: ATR-72 is profitable for regional short haul flights; not so much if you try to use it for oceanic flights.