Not too many people survive a ‘crash’ regardless of the materials used. Simply put too much fuel and kinetic energy. One can only design so much safety into an aircraft until it becomes a flying fortress and becomes very safe but uneconomical to fly and maintain. The competition uses lightweight composite materials as well, so there is not an apples/oranges comparison. The main engineering concept (IMHO) is to avoid crash situations altogether. The B777 was built on ‘lessons learned’ with a crash avoidance concept and built in software restraints. No doubt, the B787 will include further technological enhancements.
I just hope the B787 can use the rudder 😛
B) UT