Nancy Bird-Walton doesn't pretend to be an instant expert on everything aviation and constrains herself to areas where her comment and experiences are valid and valued.
So that comparison is way off.
Bit like a clapped out ex-CASA lawyer commenting on how regulation should have been because "In my day ... blah blah blah"
I think one of the main problems about being on the Board of a lobby group or association when you no longer have a direct involvement with the core area is that decisions you make cannot weigh upon you and so therefore you could be free to be swayed by whoever likes you the most, makes you feel the most important or offers the potential of a job.
Associations have members to represent, not act as a retirement home for ex Drover pilots....the airlines don't do it, CivilAir don't do it so why should GA cop the "Dinosaur Expert"
FC