Strangely enough the VFR rules were put together with the idea of making civil flying safer. That the military do not have to abide by them does tend to make the whole thing a bit of a nonsense.
What do you mean by that?
that is not what the rules say and thus does not necessarily make it poor airmanship.
Following the rules to the letter does not mean you have good airmanship. Flying on the extended centreline of a major airfield is poor airmanship no matter what the rules say (Just as an example - I am not suggesting that is the case in this incident).
it's uncontrolled airspace
Hence the problem. To Military traffic instructions are mandatory. i.e. it is controlled airspace, but not for everybody.