The answers you will get are very subjective so here is my view. On average I will take 50-60 flights per year, given the choice I personally will pick a flight on Airbus rather than Boeing aircraft.
Virgin have a good safety record, their aircraft are well maintained and there flight crew well trained.
Think of it this way, how many flights a year do Virgin undertake solely on the Australian route and how man issues are you aware of, the odd one you mention!
Bite the bullet get on the plane and enjoy yourself, more importantly enjoy 2 wonderful cities in London and Rome.