There is nothing new about any of that. All a/c have to confirm to SFAR88 and the CDCCL (Airbus FAL) items during manufacture AND maintenance!
Loose fasteners could occur on a metal skinned airframe as well. The reasons for a tight installation is for ultimate mechanical strength and to prevent a fuel leak as much as bonding. Also the finished installation is cap sealed. Any PD between the fastener the skin and the collar/nut is fully enclosed.
The 787 with its CRFP wing is no different in that respect. The only thing of note is the 'tiger striping' on the wing planks to ensure a safe conductive path through to the wing root. This is also there to prevent the skin internal finish from failing and exposing the CRFP if there were to be a strike.
yep that Airbus patent must have been a right pia....