Please correct me where needed, if you can.

Check the Boeing delivery schedule, It's Mc Boeing that's saying that 777x-9 production starts in 2017 as where Airbus is reporting -1000 delivery in 2017.

Airbus doesn't have a stellar record of hitting performance numbers like Boeing (used to do), but, if they do, the 350 will be what airline execs opt for. Compared to the the 777x, the 350 is 15% more efficient. The 777 will have to make that gap up by selling the extra 35-40 seats (insert lament about the effect that increased capacity has on yield here).

I could actually care less, it all pays the same for me.