I think Boeing's decision to produce 777-200LR (16000km range, 305 seats) & 777-300ER (13000km range, 368 seats) instead of smaller quads like A340 is the largest joke in aircraft industry.
The 2nd largest is Lockheed's decision to produce L-1011 trijet of just 4500km range & hence very poor economy instead of longer range like DC-10 and short range twinjet like A300.
Please continue to discuss large jokes of aircraft industry.