I wound't call his MH gig a failure
If it is not a failure, then it is a scam.
At his level he most certainly studied the case and patient before joining. Now it does not take a rocket scientist to realise that in "such" countries, especially within govt entities, the face saving and nepotism is virulent, it is almost system immanent, the prevalent religion not being particularly helpful either.
So he must have been either badly prepared or very naive. I am however more inclined to assume that he was neither, but simply going for the mission impossible because of the money, knowing quite well that he will fail, but walk away with a handsome sum.
It worked once, it will work twice. EK is no less a mission impossible with an even bigger reward, as most probably it was the lenders and insurers who are starting to call for a change behind the curtains, as the profits dwindle and the money drain is apparent.
So Mueller is not stupid. He will play the fig leaf for a year or so a second time and can then enjoy a very posh retirement back in civilisation.
EK will inexorably continue to change into a gargantuan Gulf Air 2.