I really don't think suggesting there are decent alternatives to an old design really puts me in front of the UnAmerican Activities Committee .......
The 747-8 is hardly an old design though is it? New engines, new wing, new flight control system, lengthened fuselage etc. And that is in comparison to the 747-400, which in itself was a huge modernization of the 747 Classic (100,200,300, SP).