I did not say the 747 400 was not stage III compliant, as said it was too noisy.
Too noisy by who's standards? Have you compared the -400 with a -300 or -200? Or even a Stage 3 B727? If you do, please make sure that you have a very sharp pencil.
Regardless of the stage 3 certification, some airports operate more stringent noise limits, such as Stage 3 - 10dBA, or the QC system in Heathrow. So if you seriously believe that the -400 isnt a nice neighbour, then take it up with you local authorities and have them change the limits.
The -8 will be Stage 4 compliant, EVEN THOUGH IT ISN'T A REQUIREMENT
Mutt