It might have something to do with the way they were introduced and the culture surrounding the way the accidents were dealt with. The brass were not prepared to admit that it was training deficiency that led to instructors getting killed in T-3s (after all how could a SEP / ASEL kill experienced jet pilots
). After the run of accidents the press demonized the aircraft to a certain extent.
The basic problem in the USAF was lack of spin practice in the aircraft, however having said that I have heard of several experienced aerobatic pilots getting frights in Fireflys (inverted spins???? I'm not sure).
sr