Pace, I'm afraid I don't agree. Situations like this are not usually as black-and-white as you suggest and there are usually several contributory factors - hence the often-used swiss cheese analogy ...
In this case, I accept there would appear to be shortcomings on both sides. I am not trying to lay blame so much as to learn from the reported experience. That is also the stated function of CHIRP.
The pilot's CHIRP report sets out the sequence of events - and he should be congratulated for submitting it, especially because it is to some degree critical of himself. All I am saying is that, but for the inappropriate intervention of ATC in this case, the event would not have occurred and that intervention was therefore, IMHO, the causal factor for the sequence of events. That is not the same as saying that only one party is to blame; I believe (as is often the case in aviation events) that both parties involved would benefit from reviewing their actions and responsibilities.
JD
