BlackSheep,
Maybe it is your commercial flying environment but "No-one deliberately messes about with safety in the aeronautical world" isn't always correct - it is rare, and not just for (military) operational reasons.
eng(retard),
I can't personally cite case law, but I can see where it could be cited in future (but hopefully not). I do agree with you on the systems engineer point though. The RAF proports to train aerosystems engineers, but few get the whole picture as you describe.
Have also been in staring contests - doesn't do anyone any good.
sw