Dead people can't sue for libel, James, and neither can their families on their behalf.
Indeed. However most stories have at least two charecters in them, and one of them may be alive.
Bluntly, I'm too lazy to write something which could cause me a lot of distress and stop me doing other things. I've seen too many people, even when correct, have to fight to prove their statements. Note B-Eagles' post - Having hosted one of the Krays for an event myself, I also know not everyone uses legal methods of revenge / correction!
John Romain - Nice chap, capable and professional pilot AND Engineer, but not sure he'd qualify as larger than life - actually a fairly quiet retiring fellow in my experience.
Not larger than life in reality, quite the opposite, being under endowed in the height dept. However, while also not an anbelievable charecter, quite an impressive chap by his achievements alone. And a very safe pilot. Didn't he get an award for bringing the Lysander back 'alive'?
Cheers