When did DFW start? Do you think it was included as part of 380 strategy planning? Methinks not.
Again, you need to stop using hindsight to criticise decisions taken based on a very different set of beliefs.
DFW started this year, but was being looked at about six or seven years ago when QANTAS was looking at the possibility of the proposed A350 long range twin aircraft to do the 15 hour sector. The 777 didn't even get a look-in at the time (not starting a should have gotten the 777 debate).
The important part being "AJ deferring/cancelling".
Unless you expect that when the 380 team was set up they should have acted with the knowledge that would occur then you are utilising the power of hindsight and claiming it as some kind of flaw in AJ that he didn't. Current 380 numbers were based on projections as per fleet strategy at the time and allowed for increased aircraft numbers, natural attrition and even accelerated attrition based on people like Emirates and SIA poaching a number of people with 380 licences and experience.
Prior to AJ, GD was cutting back on QF sectors and ramping up Jetstar, yet placing orders of A380's. I'm unaware of people from QF being poached by EK or SQ, but there could be some.
Even by AJ's own words last year regarding QF International that it had been losing money for a number of years, and the "Group" was absorbing its losses, and they would be pulling out of loss-making sectors, yet they proceeded with proposed fleet expansion/replacement of aircraft that aren't really compatable with thier needs. Very easy to throw the money. Not so easy to make it back.
No, that's a flawed analysis. The ramping up of aircraft numbers or lack thereof could not possibly have been acted upon at the time the 380 team was set up. For you to go back and claim that somehow the number of people working the 380 should be spot optimised for the current situation is an example of the worst type of management thinking that AJ and Co are regularly accused of around here.
From the start, the A380 was always man power heavy, even during the purchase negotiations, due to its size, complexity, etc. It couldn't go into all the ports it needed, and certainly couldn't be flown at the speeds as required by the QF timetable. That's why the LAX run is an hour longer than the 747, as they were burning the fuel at a rapid rate to fly the 14 hour sector as per the timetable.
No one has a crytsal ball, but due diligence when making a very expensive purchase, and maybe listen to those that have knowledge of aircraft and being able to go through the figures and see what is the best aircraft for your needs, and not the back room accountants.