Boeing have 5000+ orders for the MAX, the aircraft is mostly operated on short to medium sectors therefore has a high number of take offs and landings. The pilots flying them are generally towards the lower end of the experience level, typically being the copilot's first job and the Captains first command. Combined total hours for both pilots is often below 4000. The aircraft is regularly flown into secondary, more challenging airports. It's also being operated by some airlines with less than stellar safety records.
In view of the above, I unfortunately can guarantee that there will be future accidents with the type should it return to service. Any accident will automatically have the MCAS as the number one suspect as far as the general public is concerned, even if the crew land on a closed runway and hit construction equipment. How are Boeing and the airlines going to deal with passengers refusing to fly on what could be a large percentage of the world's aircraft fleet ?
In contrast, the B777 has an excellent safety record, a good basic design, operated on longer sectors with fewer take offs and landings. Flown by more experienced pilots working for higher level airlines into better airports. Twenty four years in service and you can count the number of accidents on your fingers, most of which were attributable to crew error, engine problems or external factors. I can't think of a single accident caused by a Boeing deficiency.
How could Boeing get it so right with the B777 and so wrong with the MAX ?