Parsifal,
The Pilots did the mistake, but definitely fingers arent pointed at them( in my personal opinion , of course). But then again, they're with Philippine Airlines where Pilot culture affect compliance of SOPs and company policies. And theres no way PAL will accept fault from what had happen.
We have to accept "bata-bata"still exist. Yourself is a kid of a Former PAL pilot, and the probability of you joining them in your Minimum time is most likely. Modesty aside you should accept this fact, for the truth is this is your hopeful thinking. So, dont be afraid to address your true feelings for such event. DONT try to be kind now, just because you like to appease them(PAL pilots reading this thread). It will not help you in your course to a successful career.
Do you know why such event can happen to the BEST of the BEST you mentioned? BECAUSE, of that One moment in time that they let down their guard and deviated from the SOPs and Policies.
Theres no Sharp Pilot, No Best Pilots around too, Only Standard Pilots and nothing more. If theres more than this, i have no idea what its called.
Cessna