744 Vs A340
A 340 has the better routes. Hong Kong, Shanghai, Cape Town and Jo'berg (although the winter schedule has the 744 going to Jo'berg at the weekends). 744 is peretty much USA and a bit of Caribbean - San Fran being the only good destination (IMHO). However, the 340 will be doing Lagos and Port Harcourt when the 340-600 introduction gets properly under way.
340 guys tend to do 3 or 4 trips a month, usually with 3 or 4 crew, so landing recency can be an issue. 744, can be 5 or 6 trips with landing recency not being an issue. 744 has lots of 2 pilot trips.
Lots of VS crew live overseas. Commuting not really an issue, except on a 744 six trip roster, you will be spending a lot of time travelling. Also, expect a 4 day block of standby every 2 rosters. You have to be within 2 hours travelling of LHR.
I'm not going to comment on Airbus vs Boeing issues except that they are both pretty dull to fly. Long haul + glass cockpit = boredom.
But, last I heard, (3 weeks out of the loop now) there may be a requirementfor new hire Classic pilots.