Compare to the time scale for this repair:
http://www.pprune.org/forums/showthr...=301696&page=4
OK, the E3 puncture is far "deeper" than the B737, and will require further interior strip out, but the 737 damage is spread over a larger area.
The construction / build / repair of the E3 / B707 / B737NG is very similar.
So whilst the 2 year repair drags on, RAF down another airframe and increased pressure for all concerned to maintain the few left not in repair or sched maintenance!