I think this may be a slight exaggeration. I know several management pilots at SQ, including those on the A380 fleet, and as of a recent visit they are still very happy with the reliability of the new aeroplanes. Of course there are occasional out-of-service problems, but so far, after more than 12 months in-service and with six aircraft now operating, they are indeed pleased with a/c reliability. As mentioned above, the A380 has had a very smooth introduction to service compared with most new a/c types.

And of course SQ checked the aeroplane out fully after it put some wheels on the grass, as any safety-conscious airline would.

And as to speculation about what QF would do (although they don't seem to have had much choice in this case...):

http://www.theage.com.au/travel/anot...1209-6ua2.html

Oops