MarkD
No, most thought Boeing was going to win.
No-one here thought the dynamics or benefits of the A350 were anywhere near as good as the 787. We need the 787 sooner than 2010, but obviously the financial status of ACE meant we had to dither, hence the reason why we'll take over leases on ex-KLM and Kenyan 76s in the run-up to 787 introduction, amongst others.
As an aside, the 76s are tired, and in terms of configuration and commonality a bit of a nightmare. They are also not exactly the best equipment for YYZ-LHR, CDG - capacity being an issue, and not as "tasty" as the Speedbird Triple 7s doing the Pond Hop. They were good in their day of course.
As far as 777-300ER and 777-200LR are concerned - that surprized some in that they thought we'd stick with A345 and take A346 - the higher weight flavour - but, it seems the operating economics of the Triple 7, based on the current and emerging route structure, and the early horrors of the 345, and the unpopular 343 (look at the mess it made of YYZ-DEL "nonstop") helped seal that part of the deal.
Additionally, I've personally heard the Boeing T+Cs were extremely lucrative, from the 767 placement all the way through to the terms for the new aircraft...
I'll sniff around for other snippets...
PS Air India also went the Triple 7 and B787 path, with 2 wins about to be announced...