Set,
I've often gone through what they may have done in my mind but the bottom line is this - WTF do I know! I wasn't there. I believe their position at the time was that when captured they were facing an enemy better armed and equipped and there is no disgrace in surrendering in that situation. And when in captivity, they may have decided to do everything possible not to further inflame the situation. Remember they were not POW's - This one had to be handled by the diplomats. In my opinion they all handled the whole sorry affair with professionalism and dignity.
PS - I think your posting is a wee bit unfair and abraisive