Seenitall
The first B747 was delivered in 1970; the first B777 in 1995. Let's see, 900 planes in 15 years versus 1400 planes in 40 years. I think that proves my point. At this point, it may very will be that there are now more B777s in service than B747s, especially in passenger service.
Boeing's bet is that travelers will demand more frequency, more non-stop flights between more cities of many different sizes. I think they have it right. I suspect the B777 maybe the largest airliner needed in this environment. Look at LON-NYC, there are flights now at all hours of the day and night, all B767, B777 or A330.
It is the same in my end of the business--business jets. Customers want to go non-stop, even if it means 17 hours in a small tube.
GF