All bluster Beagle!
You are wrong in every paragraph.
The life and spares holdings for TriStar were purely driven by the RAF. Cost would rise with age. Perhaps you could comment upon the relative cost/VFM of the VC10?
Better equipped? Lets face it, we are not going to talk specifics here but, I stand by my claim, and we are not talking about seat fabric!
Geriatric jets? Pull the other one! The TriStar left service with no limitations on its full RTS (G limits etc).
I do not blame you for being biased towards bigging-up the type of newer aircraft you might be earning a living from but, it does weaken your position.
PS, I have no idea who RP is, I take his comments at face value.
OAP