Well, quite frankly, I think Capt DP Davies ability to keep manufacturers in line with regard to aircraft handling characteristics, deserves appreciation.
For example.
The old original B707 long-body (-300 series).
This aeroplane had what many would consider doggy handling under strong gusty wind conditions (takeoff or approach), as the yaw damper had to be switched off during these phases of flight, but it was Davies who absolutely insisted the rudder power/feel system needed to be improved, before being allowed on the British register.
Boeing of course, modified the design for all aircraft.
I, for one, having flown these old designs, say hats off to him.
He will be sadly missed, in my opinion.
New pilots who read his book today, would probably be completely astonished if they were strapped into the pointy end of some of these old aeroplanes today.
Is what he wrote...true?
Yer darn right, in spades.