There is no doubt that the 747-8I is battling for what is a small market space that seems to be getting smaller, however Boeing states that it is continuing to improve the frame, and may be close to some new customers. Additionally, if those customers desire a longer range out of the frame, they will proceed to develop it.
From June 27
Boeing Links 747-8 Improvements To Sales Campaigns | Commercial Aviation content from Aviation Week
From June 30
FARNBOROUGH: Landing gear tweak key to 747-8 future in passenger market - 6/30/2014 - Flight Global
From July 8
Boeing Aims To Build 747-8s Faster | Commercial Aviation content from Aviation Week
Also, on page 56 of the day 2 issue of
Flight Daily News for Farnborough, they talk about a lot of the same plans and stats that were covered in the other articles. What is interesting however is that the caption of the picture of the Cathay 747-8F states that range issues stopped it from ordering the 747-8I.
Additionally, later in the article text, it talks about how Boeing's decision to go with the longer stretch pleased LH, but that the reduced range may have dissuaded CX from ordering it at that time, along with causing the more well known displeasure shown by EK. Perhaps this means that Cathay may once again be considering the -8I with the improved range that Boeing is now planning on adding to the frame.