From the other apex of the pendulum, let's make sure not to forget Swissair 111.
Even if the crew couldn't had saved that day, the 'thorough methodic professionalism' A.K.A. negligent leniency rightfully sent shockwaves through safety and training teams worldwide. Somehow UPS6 did not get the message.
Borrowing this one from #37 (in wider agreement but to underscore the point):
(one other day) the captain rushed into unnecessarily rapid action I can only agree with your analysis. Slow and calm deliberation is the only way to deal with an event like this.
Not quite, measured and proficient should not be slow. Investigation report on G-VIIO explains.
The airspace DVR-KOK has the most professional ATC that ever existed in the whole universe known to man. Claiming that stopping a climb there complicates things is a stretch, the same applies for the cockpit work behind it.
Sure there's no need for a dramatic first word out, before the situation is understood. An adjustment to CLB clearance does not fall into the 'Aviate' / 'Safe flight path' category here, nor takes precedence over the troubleshooting items of the C/L. However, any (implied) suggestion that a continuous climb of 8 minutes during a smoke event is evidence of procedures being executed properly does not pass.
I have no opinion on the crew's actions. Was not there and might had done the same.