In my option, the 'turn-back / land ahead' question is a split second decision for the pilot. If someone's in that position it's easy to puick the wrong option.
If the engine failure was preventable then that is the root cause and the pilot's decision is a lesser factor.
I don't believe the age of the aircraft is an issue. It's how well maintained it is and the quality of parts used etc. A fully overhauled engine is basically a new engine.