With regard to the Australian Aviation article, it does prove a leopard can change it's spots when it suits. In a previous life, someone went to great pains to have their name stamped over the brilliant creation of Jetstar (with due disregard to mainline and mainline staff).
The current comments are more marketing spin than anything else. QF is in a bind with engagement and offshoring. What else would a competitor do but play it up as much as possible at every opportunity.
Having said that, I know who I'd much rather have in charge of QF, but all these guys are painted to some extent with the same brush. Ie an overriding belief in themselves.