Hi Jaibird,
Yes the 787 can easily make Orlando,and it was also hoped that it could have got off our 8,500 ft runway to China one day.
However the tech boys at BHX had it bang on, and a 787 at sea level to China, and similar distances requires 9,400ft. We are at 330ft about that so add a bit more.So the extension was necessary even for for the 787 to such places.
I understand your point of view on the planning ,and as I say wish it was that easy, hopefully you can see it is not now.
The CEO himself says the case for the extension was marginal as you say,but he was willing to have a go and saved millions in having a slightly shorter one,as the bridge project is now dropped.
Whats done is now done and I don't see the point of rubbishing it now.Sure BHX know what they are doing..well lets hope they do !
Nigel