DozyWannabee,
Well put. I couldn't agree with you more. After 8 years on A340 and now flying Boeing again I look back fondly to the comfort, ergonomics and aerodynamic "balance" of the Bus. Unfortunately the 744 is not the same technology generation as the 340 so direct comparison is unfair. Would love to get my hands on a 787 but, alas, this is unlikely.
Cheers.