Interested to see you mentioned passenger appeal of the 320NEO, something that the A380 has in spades!!
I totally agree however the lower operating costs of newer technology widebody twins have made 4 engine aircraft obsolete.
If i was flying long haul i would choose a 380 over any 777 everytime!
I expect the -9 version of the B777 will be as quiet as the A380 with possibly better standards of comfort as new technology evolves.
Qantas cannot afford not to take the 787/9s, and they will be able to take over all the 744/330 flying in time.
I agree with the first part of that statement, but the B787-9 fitted with an international configuration won't have have the pax numbers to replace the B744 without the cost of increasing the frequency.