Actualyl I agree with you Skipiness.
I believe that EI are stuck between a rock and a hard place. All pilots are airbus rated. Then there is nothing to cross the pond smaller than a 330. If EI were still in Boeing land, it may cost a bit less but I cant see EI going down that road again.
A question for the history guys! What were the factors in the 90s when EI finally retired the 747's in favour of the 330? Who was on that panel and was the decision to take the 330 then a good one?
Finally, I didnt see many people complain about the 330 in boom times.