aviatorhi
As I explained you are not carrying any extra weight around. The weight of four engines is the same as two for the same thrust.
It probably didn't make financial sense in the past (hence the move from A340 to B777) but my whole question is does it make sense now, with fuel prices much, much higher? Does that change the equation?
barit1
If you don't need full thrust for take-off then just use two engines (lower noise?), and pull your other two out at altitude.