Well tarquin!!
Maybe RM is not the man for the job, but I dont think your comments are justified hes the only base supervisor whos honest and lays it on the line with respect for you but also working within the restraints of the company.
He works harder than the rest cos hes the only one in the office that crew really respect and the only in there who can actually do their job properly!
Obviously you must have crossed him at some point.