Click on the link in my post #53. It shows the GC route from LAX to LHR. At no point in the entire route are they more than 60 minutes away from an airfield capable of handling a 747.
You may be right. Did you check the weather at all of the destinations? How many hotels are available in Goose Bay? There are a lot of variables that go into a decision like this captain made. I have the feeling that the decision to continue was made in London, not in the cockpit. I just don't believe that saving the company a hundred grand or so is very high on the list of factors. At least I made it to retirement. Lets see if Capt BA is so lucky. Cheers.