Holy hell - I can't believe we're talking about "eye-balling" and second guessing the TCAS computers.
I wonder what the two JAL pilots will do in future when they get an RA in conflict with an ATC instruction? (the guy who tried to second guess the TCAS computer [and got it wrong] will probably never get another chance)
Most jet transport pilots have probably experienced a TA or even RA when on climb/descent at high rate to an altitude restriction because of opposite direction traffic. Remember how much time you had to react? And as often as not, its at the change over from departures to control frequency, so there's absolutely no chance to "self-co-ordinate".
Ever been gazing out the window and spotted another dot in the vastness of the atmosphere and tried to determine whether it was above you or below? Most of the time my guess has turned out to be hoplessly wrong! The JAL guy did the same thing - and got it wrong!
I'll be following my RA - I just hope YOU do too!