"It is always easy to lend vicarious support to those who would rebel or display maverick tendancies, simply because the rules seem overly restrictive, or because we would wish to live in a different time, but there is little doubt that the parties involved in this incident, showed precious little awareness and perception as to the likely consequences." So says rmiller774.
Some of us did live in a different time and do indeed remember and still feel the horror of 33 years years ago when we read about the Los Rodeos crash. To this day it remains the deadliest of all aviation accidents. A factor in the causal chain which conspired with all the others to result in this tragic accident was communications. We did not then have this wonderful internet to sit at home and exchange our views. If we had such a means of discussion shortly after this accident I wonder how many would have countenanced the actions of a controller who had allowed his kid anywhere near his console let alone issue clearances.
So I whole heartedly agree with rmiller`s closing sentence. We need to learn from our mistakes, paid dearly with lives, and develop awareness and perception towards the consequences and the unforgiving nature of the whole business of aviation.