The economics of the 747-8 are yet to be proven,so until such time as it has flown the drivel from Boeing is just that drivel.
Also I do believe bootstrap is correct about the 744 EIS. It had issues much longer than 6 months,which I think was due to the wiring termination in the MEC and quite a few software issues but then that is all history.
I will be happy to see the end of the first class pods on the 744,they are and have always been a pain in the bum. And that first class cabin is impossible to keep looking like a first class cabin. While they are there they should change the skybeds as well. they are a flimsy piece of kit that really arent comfortable.
But bring on the recaro economy chairs from the 380.they are a huge improvement.