Is it that these days a quick call to Ivan and his Antonovs solves the conundrum ?
Yes, largely as a result of engine diameters. A GE90 will go into a nose-door 747F if the fan is removed and loaded horizontally. Usually cheaper to phone Ivan.
Last airliner certificated with an additional hardpoint for engine transportation was the 747-400. The 747-8 with its redesigned wing can't do it.