Well put NSF,
Everybody should be very wary about what people say about others; good or bad - been caught out by that one! In fact, so has Mr Smallwood on one occasion that I can recall. Personally, I have never met the man, so he gets the benefit of my doubt.
However, it seems to me that the 'bonus culture' of airline middle-management has brought about the demise of common-sense and good leadership at that level. Maybe in this case, as NSF says, PS was only the monkey and not the organ-grinder?
Of course, there is also the theory that management always get promoted to one level above their ability!!?