I agree that it was a bit too strong to say they are 'unfit for purpose' but I was exaggerating in order to make a point. I don't believe there will be anything like a thousand in use in two years time, and probably none in five years time.
At the knock-down price they'll have to sell them for, Ensign or whoever may be able to shift a few, but most will probably end up stored just like the majority of the bendies.
But the Citaros weren't owned by TfL, so the mass withdrawal became a problem for the leasing companies (or were any directly owned by the operators?). Nevertheless, TfL will face another storm if they withdraw early hundreds of buses they actually own (but may also face criticism if they retain vehicles which are grossly inefficient).