From over the captains shoulder for 4 years and more than a decade around the aircraft. The key factor is that the aircraft performs differently, it is more demanding of a pilot under certain conditions.
Are they totally different to a DC10
The aircraft is very different, but this is not important. What is important is it has it's own set of parameters it operates within, when those are not respected hull losses are a result. You will find that the majority of losses (swiss air is still a mystery) are a result of human error. Is the aircraft more demanding?...Yes... Is the aircraft safe?... Yes when operated within it's means, just like any other machine.