LG, OC Ops is dealing with things the way they are. Unlike your risk averse mentality which constrains thought processes. Sadly, you are not alone; many in the RAF are similarly afflicted by your 'Ooh, what would the papers say?' attitude, which is normally the first rebuff given to a plan which has any element of risk attached to it.
Bottom line? It's his decision as to whether the risks are worth the rewards, and evidently he has made his call. I agree with him, you do not.
Who would I want to work for/with, or go to war under/with? Simple.