Yes it is. If you have been trained properly and operate to a high standard this sort of thing should be second nature when the going gets tough for what ever reason. The "Pilot" claimed they had time to discuss if they had been cleared. They saw that the runway was clear so decided to land any way. (Obviously safe in the knowledge that a prompt instruction from the tower to go around would be forthcomming if required.) If they were that concious of what was going on their failure to seek confirmation is tantamount to neglect.