Easy.....unfit is unfit....you pick the explanation on how it comes to pass no matter where or who is involved.
Using a "what about....." reply confirms a statement made by a very well known Aeronautical Engineer and Test Pilot I know...."The harder you have to work to prove you do not have a problem....proves how big that problem you are trying to explain away really is.".
So stick to the script....is the A400 unfit for purpose...or not.
My comment covers the universe of "unfit" aircraft, ships, tanks, etc....and was not limited to the A400.