I don't have much regard for Thatcher either, as I blame her policy for the Falkland War. The decision to remove HMS Endurance convinced the Argentines that we would not oppose an invasion. When it happened, Thatcher had no choice to regain the islands or loose face - and the next election. Result, lots of dead Brits, and lots more dead Argentines. She may have had some ex military people around her, but didn't listen.
I don't care for polititions of whatever hue, they all tend to get you killed.
All that apart, I do agree with most of your point of view.
Chin Chin. Off for another Pimms