Sounds like a "There but for the grace of God go most of us" sort of event.
I'm sure that at some time (possibly a long time ago) we've been "up there wishing we were down here" - add a little bit of cumulogranitus and it all gets quite unpleasant.
From what I've read here I think (apart from a possible bit of over-optimism with the weather) everyone should get a pat on the back - especially the guys concerned for the early call on 121.
OC619
P.S. If the "over-optimism with the weather" comment is out of order then I apologise now.