SASless, I think a major difference here is that in the engagements you discuss there was an active firefight in progress with people making truly split second decisions. That is the fog of war and even a civilian could understand it.
The A10 case doesn't really fit in with that type of scenario as far as most contributors to this thread seem to be concerned, and from the transcript the pilots seem to take a little over five minutes to make the decision to engage.
Doubts must exist over the suitability of the two pilots involved in terms of their decision making capabilities. BBC R4 is rumouring that one of those involved was subsequently promoted to full colonel. Hopefully he will be able to lead his men with the full benefit of his experiences.