all prospective purchasers of the VC10, would have tarred it with the same brush as the Comet. Would their pax have believed the sales pitch that Vickers had got it right?
Don't know as that follows. The VC10 was many years later and a completely different manufacturer (with a good track record). Even back then I don't think airlines made equipment decisions based on passengers' perceptions. 99% of whom know diddly about what they are flying on, and probably care even less.