If the 747 was so good why did BA sell them? They could just have easily kept them on the ground as standby's. They were cheap because there was no market for them at a higher price. All we need now is for fuel prices to harden a couple of dollars then all the "smart" money will have their fingers badly burnt. We must have seen it happen 10 times in the last 20 years.
Compared to a modern twin the 747 burns fuel and costs maintenance time. Long term it is a nono.