A picture is worth a thousand words. The damage certainly looks bad and on closer inspection was certainly significant.
I saw the damage on its return to syd and it was significantly large hole that resulted in approx 5-6 wing to body fairings replaced in Syd. This is in addition to a T/E flap torque tube and a couple of gear doors and brake lines that were replaced in FRA.
Despite the damage I agree with the crews action to complete the flight. It was mostly superficial and nothing would have been achieved by dumping fuel and turning around, there were plenty of alternatives if a problem did present itself on route.
Sure, the crew probably would have turned around and landed in Singapore if they had seen the damage. The fact is that they couldn't see it, and made the right decision with all the information they had on hand. Hindsight is a wonderful thing.
The causes of tyre failure are well documented and the results are often similiar to this. A costly investigation would probably be inconclusive as to the cause and would not add anything to prevent this happening in the future.
All the correct Qantas, CASA and ATSB procedures were followed and there is no cover up!!!!!