Doesnt that mean the problem lied in the execution rather the fact that they use combos?

After crashing my car I don't say: 'I should have walked, cars are not safe.' Its my driving that made it not safe - not the fact that I use a car.

I agree with the OP about the fact that the old B747's used to be outdated, and not nice to fly long routes. I did AMS-SFO a few times on them and that was not a pleasant 12 hours in economy. However like others have pointed out, they are fixed up and offer PTV to everybody. Should be a much nicer experience now!