While it has been generally known for a while that they (Virgin Atlantic) are not very happy with their A340s (add in the recent manufacturer's reported 'caveat emptor' response to the airline's complaints about the A346) all things being equal, the selection of the 787 was based purely on economics, no?
The part I have a hard time understanding is Dickies' airline eschewing an outstanding powerplant series from his home - namely the RR Trent.