I was fortunate enough to ask Garry Cooper some questions about his 'deadstick' landing of Mirage A3-29 into a disused strip at Tomago in May 1966 (there's a thread running with some info). I asked him whether he was supported or criticised for his decision to attempt the landing rather than 'bang out'. He said he was supported by the Williamtown hierarchy but criticised by Deaf Ear (Defence - Air Force Headquarters in Canberra).
What one person considers an extraordinary feat of airmanship another person will consider a lucky outcome despite a bad decision. It will ever be thus while pilots have opinions and feel the need to express them.