It seems to me that the system worked perfectly. Low level display base heights are there for this reason - same as fixed fuel reserves:- In the event that the normal sequence of events is disturbed, how much flex is required to still recover the situation? To be considered under the 'disturbance from the normal sequence of events' are such things as aircraft malfunctions, distractions and pilot handling errors.
If he was operating at a 100 foot base height than this proved adequate when balanced against the need for a flashy display of the aircraft.