People here aren't flying in the lower cabins, where the author of the original article mostly seems to be.
The 747 offers poor levels of comfort for those down the back for the reasons you rightly mention. I too want them gone as soon as possible.
I dunno (not an expert) but I've heard that 787's down the back are awful (9 across against a more comfortable 8) and the 777s are being densified at some point from 9 across to 10. Best was actually the 767, especially in WTP.
Obviously the 744 is still popular amongst those that can snag something upstairs or are in 1A/K. In these circumstances the 744 is still a good aircraft although I entirely agree that the air quality on the 787 is an improvement. Worst of the lot - 772.