I think this has a lot to do with the construction of the A340, in fact, all Airbus types. For years now, engineers have complained that, where you could slap on a patch on other types (note I'm trying not to turn this into a boeing versus Airbus rant), with an Airbus, because everyting is tweaked down to absolute minimum tolerances, the simple patch job is impossible and it involves a major structural replacement.
I think what was said in the link above is also true - it all comes down to ecomomics. Someone, hopefully EK, should make a small killing on spare parts, as the aircraft will be cannabilised before the remainder is turned into frying pans.