Being from Seattle...these stories pop up now and then.
I think the proof's in the pudding - Boeing aircraft are about as safe of ride as you can have. Sure, there has been problems over the year's, most notably the rudder control issue on the 737. But, all things considered, I'd get on a Boeing plane before any other manufacturer's airliner.
Side bar - I was once in a project management class with a bunch of Boeing folks. We were discussing quality and how to determine what level your project requires. Common discussion is around '5 9's' - or 99.999%. I recall one of the Boeing members commenting as that wouldn't be acceptable for them - it means one airplane a day crashes.
Bellevue WA
90 535iM - not much stock remains. 3.7 liters, ported head, cammed, 3.73 diffy, M5 brakes, MAFed, yadda yadda yadda
86 Porsche 951 - Track Toy