You're probably right, but I've flown trans pacific 747's numerous times and this fall had a chance to fly trans pacific on a 777 Dreamliner.  No comparison in my mind.  The Dreamliner was whisper quiet and far more comfortable and they've got an excellent safety record.

I'm guessing even a 747 would have diverted to Cold Bay with an engine failure, It's the prudent thing to do. 

That being said, I've flown the old Reeve Lockheed Electra's many times in/out of Dutch back in the day and it was my preferred aircraft over the AK Air 737's and smaller Penair planes.  The reason was it had 4 engines, was only about 40min slower from Dutch to Anchorage and had far more leg room.