I never suggested that a 'pilot' should be able to jump into anything without reference to POH or they should figure things out for themselves, though an 'artist' may appear to do so.
Tim. The example you gave doesn't really prove anything. Your friend made a decision based on incorrect presumption; that the first flap setting would be sufficient for a short field take-off. Quite a reasonable presumption given bearing in mind how lift and drag change with flap position but never-the-less, wrong. Sad accident, especially when the correct answer was easily available to him.
I believe that the RAF even 'way back then' had POHs but Dahl shows that it isn't impossible.
I know a chap who, when asked what the Spitfire is like to fly replied, "It's just another aeroplane!" The askee was expecting a rather more exciting answer.
Perhaps the difference in attitudes lies in initial training.