Maybe it was inexperience- I'm not sure I'd count military F4 Phantom time to the 'experience' ticker.
A late call by me, Rainboe, but I wonder how much military F4 time you have or anything similar. A take-off and landing every 90 minutes or so, an aircraft that bites extremely quickly if you don't pay attention and an aircraft that needs quick responses in the military environment.
I admit that it lacks the 'fly by committee' element and there are no SLFs to worry about.
For what it is worth, I agree with every suggestion that reflects on the lack of selectivity in training. If the system graduates every student that pays the fees then the result is mass mediocrity.
If I am SLF I always try to select an airline that I think employs crews who are good enough. I won't list the brands I will not fly here although there are many.