circuitbreaker13:
On the BA incident back in the 80's the engines did restart so I do not believe turbineblades had broken off or melted even in the worst scenario you could imagine.
So I remain that the only possible risk is higher maintenance cost due reduced engine life!!!
Let me get this straight: failures on all four engines and a 25,000+ feet drop isn't worrying to you? I mean, sure, that's ok if you're at FL410, but maybe not at, say, FL240?!
Judging some of the comments that SOME pilots have made today, I am increasingly satisfied with the need for ATC to provide some adult supervision in the world of aviation...